A Musical Lunch.

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 37

A Musical Lunch.

Mozart was the most absent-minded of men. While he was busy with the composig tion of " Don Juan " he made a trip to Paris. He took chambers and sat down immediately to work. After several hours he looked at the clock to find it long past dinner time. He clapped on his hat with all haste, and half ran half trotted to the Palais Royal. Just as he stepped on the threshold a new idea buded in his mind. He walked in hesitatingly and abstractedly sat down mechanically and glanced at the menu. " A portion of , the vermicelli soup," he muttered. The soup was brought, but the composer did not stir. Five minutes, 10 minutes — a quarter of an hour passed, and the soup grew cold while the music of "Don Juan" took form in Mozart's mind. Finally the waiter removed the soup and asked what next. " Fried sole," was Mozart's answer. The soup was carried off untouched, and shortly the sole was placed before him. Mozart remained still completely absorbed in the thoughts of the composition. Six dishes were served consecntively with intervals of 15 or 20 minutes, and all were carried away untasted and apparently unseen. Two hours after his entrance into the Palais Royal a small cup of black coffee was on the table before him. He raised his hand as if to take it, then suddenly his closed fist fell on the saucer, breaking it in fragments, and sending the coffee in every direction. " At last I have it I " he shouted as • he sprang from his chair. Before his untasted dinner he had composed the finale of the third act of " Don Juan."