Synopsis

As a public service, here’s a reminder for those of you who tend to forget your wedding anniversary: if you’re not sure when it is, maybe now would be a good time to check … before it’s too late!

Chances are that Wolfgang Mozart didn’t forget his wedding anniversary, since it was over his father’s strenuous and repeated objections that he finally married Constanza Weber at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna on today’s date in 1782.

Back in Salzburg, Leopold Mozart remained unimpressed with his son’s choice, but eventually gave his grudging consent. “I knew I could count on you,” wrote Mozart his father. “Now my dear Constanza is looking forward to traveling to Salzburg, and I wager you’ll rejoice in my happiness once you get to know her!”

Well, that might have been a bit of exaggeration. In any case, Mozart’s unfinished Mass in C minor was written as a thanks offering to both Almighty God in heaven and as a peace offering to Papa Leopold in Salzburg. Portions of it were performed in Salzburg during the young couple’s first visit the following year, with soprano Constanza singing the florid soprano part and Mozart conducting.

Music Played in Today's Program

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Great Mass: Et Incarnatus Est; Gillian Keith, soprano; Handel and Haydn Society; Harry Christophers, conductor; Coro 16084