THE MEED OF GENIUS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 35, 30 August 1890, Page 2

THE MEED OF GENIUS.

The plan of the Zauberflbte, or Magic Flute, originated about May in the year 1791 with Schickaneder, Mozart’s old acquaintance, and the companion of his revels. The theatre of which this man was the manager, was fast falling into a ruinous condition, partly from the absence of public patronage ; and in a half-distracted state he came to Mozart, telling him that he was the only man who could relieve him from his embarrassment. ‘I !’ replied Mozart. ‘ How can that be ?’ ‘By composing for me an opera to suit the taste of the description of people who attend my theatre. To a certain point you may consult the taste of the connoisseurs and your own glory ; but have particular regard to that class of persons who are not judges of good music. I will take care that you will have the poem shortly, and that the decorations shall be handsome, in a word, that everything shall be agreeable to the present mode.’ Touched by the entreaties of Schickaneder, Mozart promised to undertake the business for him. ‘ What remuneration do you require ?’ asked the manager. ‘ Why, it seems that you have nothing to give me,’ replied Mozart. ‘ However, we will so arrange the matter that I may not quite lose my labour, and yet enable you to extricate yourself from your difficulties. You shall have the score, and give me what you please for it, on condition that you do not allow any copies to be taken. If the opera succeeds, I will dispose of it to other theatres, and that will repay me.’ The delighted manager closed this advantageous bargain with the most solemn assurance of good faith. Mozart soon set to work, and so far kindly consulted the taste or rather the interest of Schickanedei, who was constantly with him during the progress of the Zauberflote, as to strike out whole scenes that displeased him,and tocomposeone duet five times over inordertosatisfy him. In a few weeks the opera was produced. Its reputation spread throughout Germany, and it was soon performed by several provincial companies; but, alas ! not one of them received the score from Mozart I The cruelty which Schickaneder in this instance superadded to his black ingratitude was chiefly shown by the fact of him being aware of the necessitous conditions of the man whom he thus basely defrauded. Mozart did not permit conduct of this kind to disturb his equanimity. Wheu made fully aware of the manager’s treachery, he exclaimed, ‘ The wretch I’ and dismissed the matter from his thoughts. The opera was produced on the stage at Vienna on September 30, 1791, and its success fully warranted the manager’s prediction.