DR. MARCEL ROGER
May 19, 1924 - December 25, 2003
Thanks for the memories, Marcel.
You will be dearly missed.
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MOZART'S FAVORITE SISTER-IN-LAW, SOPHIE WEBER HAIBL: LETTERS OF AN EIGHTEENTH CENTURY WOMAN:
http://hometown.aol.com/martibur/
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I bid you a most cordial welcome, meine lieben Gaeste, and am particularly glad that you came to call on me.
Do make yourselves quite at home and sit down here in the parlor with me.
Ach, might I serve you some of our hot, aromatic Viennese Kaffee?
And how about a Kuchen on the side?
Please tarry here awhile and firstly, permit me to introduce myself to you.
My name is Sophie Haibl, nee Weber, the sister-in-law of my dear Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, my beloved sister, Constanze's, husband.
The following letters are the result of my participation in a Mozart Salon which is now closed.
I was born in the year of our Lord 1763 in the month of October in Zell im Wiesenthal, in the Black Forest of the German lands, the youngest child of Fridolin and Caecilia Weber, nee Stamm, and grew up in Mannheim with my three elder sisters, Josefa, Aloisia, Constanze, and my late brother, Johann.
Constanze and I were separated in age by a little over one year and were lifelong best friends.
My beloved father was by trade a bass singer, prompter, and music copyist at the court theater.
When our Elector inherited the Electorship of Bavaria, our family and all the court moved to the capital town of Munich, where we resided but a little over one year.
We followed Aloisia's blossoming singing career to Vienna, where we set up house.
Soon thereafter, my dear father departed this earth, and my mother turned our apartment on the Petersplatz into a boarding house to make ends meet.
Thereupon, my dear sister, Constanze, was espoused to Mozart.
I was the only one of my sisters present at Constanze's wedding to Mozart.
I was engaged at the Burgtheater for the 1780-81 season, and made my debut as Roeschen in the rustic comedy "Der Bettler" by Johann Christian Bock.
I was close to my dear brother-in-law, Mozart.
As he lay dying, Constanze, Mozart's doctor, Closset, and I were the only ones present, and I held him in my arms as he died.
In later years, all my sisters having long since married, my mother and I had lodgings in the suburb of Wieden.
Then in 1793, my dear mother was called to the Lord and I was alone.
Thirteen years later in 1807, aged three-and-forty years, I married my beloved husband, Jakob Haibl (1762-1826), a comic actor, tenor, and composer with Schikaneder's company at the Freihaus-Theater in Vienna.
My dear spouse's most successful work was the Singspiel "Der Tirole Wastel" (text by Schikaneder) which, between 1796 and 1801, received no fewer than 118 performances at the Freihaus-Theater alone.
After the death of my husband's first wife, Katharina, in 1806, he accepted the post of choimaster of Djakovar Cathedral.
In 1825, I received a dispatch from Salzburg from Constanze's second husband, Baron Georg von Nissen.
He was then penning the first biography of my late brother-in-law, Mozart, and requested my detailed recollections of this great man of unsurpassed musical genius.
I took quill to paper and recounted to him the manner of Mozart's death, among many personal remembrances.
My beloved Jakob passed away in 1826--on the very same day as Constanze's husband, Nissen.
I took the coach to Salzburg and lived out my many remaining years with my dear sister there in that majestic town on the Salzach River. Constanze was called to the Lord in 1842, and I followed in October, 1846, aged three-and-eighty years.
Meine lieben Gaeste, bitte let me pore you some more hot Kaffee, ja?
Ach, that is better.
I would like you to get to know me and my family, the Webers of Mannheim and Vienna, better.
Here are letters that I wrote in my younger years, when my dear mother was still among us.
Please journey back with me to those long-ago days of my past, and let us relive it together.
DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
"ALL ABOUT ME: Mozart's Favorite Sister-In-Law, Sophie Weber Haibl: An Eighteenth Century Woman: Letters of an Eighteenth Century Woman" is the exclusive property of Marti Burger, and is not to be reprinted without her written permission.
"ALL ABOUT ME: Mozart's Favorite Sister-In-Law, Sophie Weber Haibl: Letters of an Eighteenth Centuy Woman"
© 2003-2004 Marti Burger
MY LETTERS:My dear Wolfgang, I take the first sheet of this new paper to thank you for your kind letter, and hope that you are well. Jakob, Mama, Papa and everyone are well. Papa Fridolin is as he ever was: quiet and cheerful, uncomplaining in spite of Mama's frequent scoldings. Mama Caecilia is also much the same: so much is complaint and crisis, but I happily bear her complaints and hope to please her. It helps nothing to rise to anger and increase the calamity, and the situation soon quiets down. Aloysia and the children are taking the waters at Marienbad, and Karl is well. Josefa alas needs more cloth to fashion her wardrobe; her plumpness ill becomes her, but she minds it not, and is cheerful as ever. My heart is again unwillingly separated from my dear sister, Constanze. She and Nissen have left Vienna for Denmark this month past after their stay of six months with us. Yes, Constanze recounted to me her pleasure in her rose and herb gardens. You can guess, dear Wolfgang, what preocccupies Constanze and Nissen, as Constanze herself told me before her departure: you, my dear brother. Indeed, my sister discourses ceaselessly about you with Nissen. She recalls to him all she can, reliving long-ago memories, as Nissen copies and copies my sister's words to paper. Nissen's upcoming biography of you occupies him day and night. There is no thought or talk but of you, Wolfgang. I am so pleased to greet my dear brother and friend and all assembled here, and to have occasion to reminisce of days long past and experiences once shared but ever in our hearts. Yours affecly, Your friend and sister, Sophie, nee Weber An Upcoming Visit:Wien, den 6. Juli My dear Wolfgang, I hope you are well. My dear sister and Nissen must be safely back in Denmark this month of July. Have I told you our great news? Well, you know, Mama Caecila has spoken for many months of her homesickness and longing for Mannheim, of her wish to see again her surviving family and friends ere it is too late. And guess what, Wolfgang: Mama has chosen me to be her companion on her journey. Can you imagine it? I, who am most comfortable and serene inside my own four walls, sleeping in my own comfy bed with its clean, fresh sheets and fluffy eiderdown comforter, I who want nothing more than a serene, orderly and happy life in my beloved Vienna, going about my daily tasks, accomplishing what I can. Well, I have to admit that I'm getting excited as the departure time quickens. I'm not like you, Wolfgang. I keep it inside myself, but I do not travel well. The jostling and draft of the carriages, the thoughts of highwaymen, the strange beds--all that sits not well with me. But all the same, an excitement and happy anticipation creeps over me, and I am smiling. I am thinking of the excitement of peering out the windows of the coaches and watching the world go by. I forget my fear of travel and uncertainty, and am lost in the moment and in the quiet excitement of observing unfamiliar sights and new persons. Wolfgang, what you must have experienced in all your many travels! Wolfgang: Mama calls, I must make haste and cannot tarry here too long. In short, we take the coach from Vienna this Wednesday next and journey towards Salzburg, changing coaches and stopping at inns along the way. I am so excited to be able to see your hometown once more. Salzburg is indeed magical, and I can hardly wait to experience the special feeling the mountains and fortress, the two charming parts of the town, the river Salzach and bridge gives me. Wolfgang, I shall see your sister Maria Anna, whom you call "Nannerl" and I am most anxious to embrace her. Wolfgang, do you have a message that I can relay to your sister? Next we travel to my hometown of Mannheim. Of course, it will be wonderful to breath the air and walk the cobbled streets of my birthplace. Mama wants to stop off in Ausgburg as well, so please give me a message I can relay to your cousin, Marianne, whom you affectionately call "Baesle", should we be so fortunate as to call on her. I am counting on it that we indeed shall. Oh, Wolfgang, Mama calls again. I must be off and help prepare the midday meal. Yours affectionately, Your friend and sister, Sophie, nee Weber To the English soprano, Nancy Storace:My dear Mademoiselle Storace, I am so pleased and honored to make your acquaintance once again. I could never forget your Susanna. You have a voice of rare beauty, Your character of Susanna is such a delightful one, which you portrayed so convincingly, and made real and come alive. I could scare move during the whole performance, so perfect was everything: my dear brother-in law's sublime music, you, Figaro, the Countess and Count, Cerubino, the Gardener--everyone and everything connected to Figaro. I could not wait to see "Figaro" again and to hear the glorious music whose melodies and verse even now I hum and sing to myself in our house. Mademoiselle Storace, I trust that I shall again some day have the pleasure of hearing you sing Susanna. I do so well remember meeting you at my brother-in-law, Herr Mozart's, home, and I am delighted to make your acquaintance once again! Yours very faithfully, Sophie, nee Weber Greetings, Wolfgang!My dear brother, I am so joyed to receive your post. You have calmed my fears of the journey, and I thank you greatly for the comfort your words have brought me. I must make haste, for Mama and I are attending Mass shortly at the Stefansdom. You know how Mama becomes red in the face and chides me when she anticipates that I shall be late. How Mama detests unpunctuality, as you know so well, dear Wolfgang, and I am as guilty as anyone on this account. This fault of mine I shall certainly strive to correct, and shall indeed do so. I am now feeling better about the journey, and excitement builds up within me. The weather of late has been humid with intermittent rain showers, but still the heat is bearable and not too intense. So I am hopeful of good weather on the journey, and am taking clothes to meet all occasions of fair or wretched weather. Mama's presence will make for comfortable discourse with strangers, for you know, dear Wolfgang, many comely persons of your sex act agreeable and cordial with a girl of my tender years, but are not often as they seem--Mama never tires of reminding me of this--so I shall not carry the burden of being alone with them until better acquaintance--and ever then, most probably not without Mama's company. Wolfgang, I shall make hast to make ready the medicinal remedies you commend to us; I thank you most kindly! My mind is now not burdened. I am also so anticipating with joy a meeting with your beloved father, Leopold Mozart; I can scarce contain my excitement musing upon it. Dear Wolfgang, you have spoken so often of your dear Papa, and I know how much you miss and treasure him and all his council. I shall with certainty convey to him your words. Yes, I do so wish to converse with your Baesle in German, Wolfgang, and shall, I trust, have the opportunity ere long. And it will be so good to embrace your own dear sister, Nannerl! Mama calls again; I shall be late for Mass. I don't want to spoil Mamas good humor, which, at present, it still is and, I do hope, remains. I wish you and my dear sister, Constanze, a most restful and blessed Sunday and remain, your devoted sister and friend, Sophie, nee WeberTo Wolfgang:My dear Wolfgang, I am dead tired from the long journey, and was just about ready to retire to sleep when I have just now received your post from earlier today: "I cannot express to you the joy you have given me by becoming a member of my Salon. We have shared so many wonderful memories, giggles and jokes--I have missed that so much. I have not forgotten how you held me in your arms as I slipped into eternity so many years ago, and how you stroked my hair to soothe and comfort me." You bring tears to my eyes, Wolfgang. I so well remember and cherish the memories, giggles, and jokes we shared and yes, that terrible day when you passed away, far too young, in my arms....my quill is now covered in tears....I shall never get over the memory when I think upon it. Never should you have died, Wolfgang. Your death was so undeserved. Sometimes I cannot fathom what the Allmighty has chosen, so unjust and wrong was it. Your music does and ever shall live, Wolfgang, but here you are again! My heart is filled with happiness to behold you once more, my dear Wolfgang; I thought that occurrence would never come again. Your truest sister and friend, Sophie, nee Weber Salzburg-Bound:My dear Wolfgang, We have been having an agreeable journey thus far, and Mama and I are again en route in our coach since the forepart of this day, observing the passing scenery. The click-clack of the carriage wheels lends itself to musings, and I am reflecting as we travel along: If I should be so fortunate as to survive to a great age, in my dotage I would like nothing better than to live out my remaining years in Salzburg. The Alps and the baroque beauty of the town give me such a feeling of Geborgenheit and Ruhe (peace). (Geborgenheit--security, safety, feeling at home and nurtured, as by your parents) Wolfgang, I cannot imagine, however, living in this place of my heart without the company of my dear sister, Constanze. Do forgive this silly, unrealistic pipe dream I nurture in my heart: Which is, that Constanze and I be each other's comfort and mainstay in our dotage. Oh, my romantic nature............. Wolfgang, you know of the impractical disposition I possess, which I often have to struggle against ere it gains the upper hand. Sometimes, I am such a silly goose--haha! The romantic verses of "The Highwaymen" run through my mind:”The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees, The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon clondy seas, The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor, And the highwayman came riding— Riding—riding— The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door............. Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard, And he tapped with his whip on the shutters, but all was locked and barred; He whistled a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there But the landlord's black-eyed daughter, Bess, the landlord's daughter, Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.............” Postscript: When I reminisced about Maestro Haydn, I quite forgot to mention how solicitous of me he has been. Herr Haydn has such good humor and so often addresses me as "Mein liebes Fraeulein (my dear Miss). He has thus put me so much at my ease, making me almost forget what a great man he is--so natural and unceremoniously he comports himself. Dear Wolfgang, kindly convey to Mademoiselle Storace that Herr Haydn spoke most affectionately of her home country of England, and of how civilized and most courteous her countrymen are. Well, back to the present time, and the dusk and encroaching darkness I can see through our coach's small windows. My dear Wolfgang, I am again lulled to sleep by the soft click-clack of the carriage wheels. I am smiling and thinking with pleasure of my upcoming reunion in Salzburg with your dear sister, Nannerl, and your beloved Papa, Leopold. Good night all. I remain most affectionately Your true sister and friend, Sophie, nee Weber We have this day departed Vienna:My dear Wolfgang, The journey is thus far proceeding well and without complications. Wolfgang, you are so right! The roads and coaches have vastly improved since my childhood. I even briefly fell asleep as nightfall crept upon us. It is a delight to see the green fields and countryside go by, and see the yeomen working the fields and occasionally the countryfolk scurrying about on their business. Our coach was held up for well neigh one hour because the sheep and cows were in no hurry to finish crossing the road. We share our coach this first night with elderly Fraeulein Schaefer from Salzburg and Herr Meinke from Prussia. Herr Meinke is around thirty years of age, short and fairly stoutly built with piercing sea-blue eyes, dark blond hair with a slightly visible bare circle in back, and a nose not unlike your mother's family. Herr Meinke pleased me much, and I blushed. But my pleasure in his company was short-lived, since Mama soon after inquired after his wife in Pomerania, which he alas confirmed. Still, the two continue as our traveling companions, at least as far as Salzburg. We made polite and pleasant discourse and have stopped the night at a comfortable inn, "Zu den Drei Groschen" near Melk. I am happy to convey that Mama and I are most fortunate to have a room completely to ourselves! But, I must confess, it is so unfamiliar and strange to be sharing a bed with Mama! I have been quite spoiled these last years. My dear sister, Constanze, and I had to share a bed during my childhood, but upon Josefa's marriage, both Constanze and I were fortunate to subsequently each have a bed of our own. Wolfgang, the name of our inn this night: "Zu den Drei Groschen" is pleasing and melodious to my ear. Would not it be a fine title for an opera? "Die Drei Groschen Oper" (The Three Penny Opera)......yes, it has a pleasing ring it it. Ever yours most affectionately, Your sister and friend, Sophie, nee Weber Salzburg Bound, and a Meeting with Papa Haydn:My dear Wolfgang, Please convey to my dear sister, Constance, my warmest greetings upon her return from Baden-Baden! We are again on our way towards Salzburg, our coach companions being Fraelein Schaefer and Herr Meinke. (See my second letter, which will be forthcoming, for details on these two). The soft clatter of the wheels and the horses' hooves have put most of us to sleep......Herr Meinke's loud snoring renders it impossible for me to fall asleep. I believe that a bumblebee or another insect shall fly into his gaping mouth and startle him into waking--hahaha. Mama is fidgeting and Fraeulein Schaefer is sleeping soundly. I close my eyes and think happily about my upcoming meeting with your dear Papa and sister, Nannerl, in Salzburg. I have brought along some of your music to play for them, Wolfgang, and the score of "The Creation" by your beloved friend and mentor, Josef Haydn. I hope to sing some arias from it to your Papa and sister. Wolfgang, I never had the chance to tell you of my first meeting with Maestro Haydn. Let me please do so now........ I heard Mama tell it that Herr Haydn was searching for singers to fill the new chorus which plays in the Redoutensaal, and I took it upon myself to search out the Maestro and try my luck. Well, Wolfgang, Mama was feeling poorly, so I ventured out on my own and took the carriage as far as Herr Haydn's house not far from us in the Innenstadt (inner city). As I knocked at the door, I could feel my heart pounding, and Herr Haydn's manservant took me to the music room where Herr Haydn sat at the pianoforte. He arose and greeted me. Herr Haydn is smaller than I had thought, with stooped posture and a kindly, tired and weary countenance. He bade me sing an aria of his choosing, which I so did. "Very fine, Fraelein Weber", the maestro praised. "Pray tell, Kennen Sie (do you know, are you acquainted with) my work "The Creation?" "Ja", I answered. "Gut", Herr Haydn replied. Our soprano, Fraeulein von Mosetig, was taken ill with fever at the dress researsal this day. Glad you know my work. You have the voice for it. You shall sing her arias then....Oh, the time....I have an engagement at the home of Count Orsini-Rosenberg. I must leave forthwith. Well, never mind........ You know (Sie kennen) the parts. Well, be at the Redoutensaal for the performance tomorrow at nineteen hours sharp, and wear a dress frock. I shall see you then." I curtsied deeply, and the Maestro bowed. As I straightened myself up, I extended my hand, which Herr Haydn kissed. "Fraeulein Weber, I miss deeply your late brother-in-law. How I miss his company and friendship. He is the finest composer and musician who ever walked this earth." I saw myself out, my mind in a trance. Oh Sophie, I thought in despair, you coward! How could you! I was acquainted with Herr Haydn's great work "The Creation", having heard it in concert on several occasions. But I had never sung it before! Never even one note of it! Oh, how could I have deceived the Maestro like that. Well, dear brother, I was going to try. I had a wicked gleam in my eye just the same. Fortunately, Papa had an enormous collection of manuscripts filed away, and I knew that "The Creation" was among them. I dug it out, and heated pots of steaming, hot coffee, and went to work. Practically the night away I played on the pianoforte and sung over and over my arias. I knew that I did not have to sing from memory, that I would have the score at the performance to help me. The next evening arrived, and there I was. The Redoutensaal gleamed in all its Rococco splender and the giant chandelier on the ceiling sparkled and glistened, mirroring the festively dressed concert goers. In the sea of faces in the audience, I saw Mama and Josefa and other kin. Wolfgang, I did it; I did it! The concert and my arias went well, though at first my legs were in an involutarily state of trembling. I soon lost my stage fright, and the trembling ceased. Well, Wolfgang, that was the first time I worked with Herr Haydn, who conducted that concert and whom I had the pleasure to work with several times since. Now, I am drowsy, lulled to sleep by that blissful memory..... Ever your most affectionate sister and friend, Sophie, nee Weber Papa Haydn:My dear Mademoiselle Storace, I have heard of it from my brother-in-law, Herr Mozart and from my Mama that you sang the London premiere of his oratorio, "The Seasons". Herr Mozart told me then of your remarkable voice, and I so wish I could have heard you sing it! Among Herr Haydn's oratorios, "The Seasons" and "The Creation" are closest to my heart. Mademoiselle Storace, I told you presently how I, being but an amateur songbird--haha--, unlike yourself, came to sing the first time with Herr Haydn. Was this not amusing, Miss Storace? Think upon it: I spoke my mother tongue, German, with Herr Haydn, but any of your countrymen could easily have made the same error as I did: Herr Haydn inquired of me, "Kennen Sie 'die Schoepfung'?" (Do you know "The Creation"?) "Kennen" is a German verb which means "to know, to be acquainted with". One can take "to know" to mean that having heard the work in performance, I am acquainted with it. I knew not that this time, however, Herr Haydn meant by "kennen": Do you know my work?=Have you sung my work?" So I replied "ja" in the affirmative, having heard it performed sometime hence, and Herr Haydn took it to mean that I had performed it--amusing, is it not! I shall never forget that experience of first having sung in performance with Herr Haydn--something I had never sung before! Mademoiselle Storace, I would love so much to hear you sing! Yours very faithfully,Sophie, nee Weber Siezenheim and Schloss Klessheim:My dearest Constanze and Wolfgang, A thunderstorm has suddenly erupted, and I am confined to our comfy room at the inn. So I shall now write a few lines about the last part of our journey. Mama scolds me that as soon as the skies clear, I must be off to the apothecary--haha. You know, dear friend and brother, that if Mama is feeling well enough to complain, she cannot be that ill; is it not so? When we were but two hours from the city gates of Salzburg, we happened upon a small village called Siezenheim. The horses were tired, and one limped troublesomely, so we alighted from our coach and supped at the tavern there. Can you not imagine the irony of supping at the village tavern on Wienerschzitzel mit Zitronensosse--far from Vienna! Since we had to fetch a new horse which took some hours, after dining we all took a constitutional as far as the nearby Castle Klessheim. The promenade was pleasant and the air was still cool and fresh. The green fields were so soothing to my eyes after such a long confinement in the coach, and I could at last stretch and move my legs to my heart's contentment. Only elderly Fraeulein Schaefer, who is a native of these parts, remained at the tavern. The castle of Klessheim, built before Herr Bach's and Herr Haendel's era, is most stately and impressive, and is so finely situated, I could but marvel at its opulence. Constanze and Wolfgang, I have obtained at the castle these portraits of our environs there, which I am enclosing herewith: Land Salzburg - Kultur Wals Siezenheim im SalzburgerLand, Salzburg Then off in the carriage in the direction of Salzburg we went. As we entered the town gates, my heart skipped a beat. I could scarce believe that we are at last come to this place of my heart! We thereapon took the carriage as far as the Domplatz. So here we are arrived in Salzburg at last! And Mama calls again; the storm has at present lifted. Yours most affectionately, Your true sister and friend, Sophie, nee Weber We Are Come To Salzburg!My dearest Constanze and Wolfgang, We are come! We are come to Salzburg at last! Mama is feeling poorly, and I must make haste to fetch her a Kurmittel (remedy) from the apothecary. I cannot tarry at my desk here at the inn, alas. Our inn is called "Die Zwei Turteltauben" (the two turtledoves) and is only steps from the Domplatz. I cannot believe how secure and free it is to be able to walk around here unchaperoned, such a feeling of safety is apparent. We shall not need a carriage here, Constanze and Wolfgang. Everywhere, everywhere can we go on foot, also to your dear Papa's house in the Hannibalplatz. I feel so free.......... I am so very happy to be back in your birthplace, dear Wolfgang, to breathe the air and absorb the atmosphere of this charming, regal town. I shall write more this night. I wish you both a most pleasant day. Ever yours most affectionately, Your sister and friend, Sophie, nee Weber Wolfgang, I have a letter for you and Marianne Mozartin:My dear Wolfgang, I have written some lines in German for your cousin, Marianne. Immediately underneath my words in German you shall find my translation into English. Yours most affectionately, Sophie, nee Weber Meine liebe Marianne, Ich freue mich ebenfalls riesig, Dich kennen zu lernen! Mein lieber Schwager hat so oft und so innig von Dir gesprochen. Ich habe immer darauf gehofft, dass ich eines Tages die grosse Ehre haben wuerde, Dich persoenlich treffen zu koennen! Und jetzt sind meine Wuensche in Erfuehlung gegangen. Wolfgang hat so oft zu mir gesagt, dass er sich bei Dir so geborgen und daheim fuehlt--wie bei keiner anderen Person. Marianne, wenn er von Dir spricht, merke ich gleich sein zufriedendes Laecheln und das Funkeln seiner Augen. Ja, so gleucklich ist Wolfgang dann wieder, und er geniesst innerlich eine geheime Wiederkehr zu seiner Kindheit und jungem Mannesalter. Bei Dir ist Wolfgang daheim und geborgen. Ja, Marianne, ich mache eine grosse Tournee mit meiner Mama. Du hast ja von Wolfgang von ihr sprechen hoeren. Manchmal, weisst Du, habe ich etwas Angst vor meiner Mutter. Sie kann, wie Du ja weisst, ueberkritisch und dominierend wirken; oh je. Ich habe mich aber daran gewoehnt und reagiere nicht mehr auf ihre sogenannten Anfaelle. Wenn ich gleichmuetig bleibe, dann verschlimmert sich die Lage nicht. So hat mein Papa auch auf sie reagiert, Marianne. Und bei der Reise geht es bis jetzt gut. Ich druecke meiner Mutter die Daumen, dass es auch so weitergeht. Diese Reise macht mir so viel Spass. Ach, wieder in Salzburg zu gelangen bringt mir eine so grosse Freude; ich kann sie kaum beschreiben. Marianne--kann es wahr sein, dass Du nicht mehr in Augsburg lebst!! Ach, Du lieber Himmel! Ich bin ja so sehr enttaeuscht, dass ich Dich nicht persoenlich treffen darf; ich habe mich so darauf gefreut. Ich hoffe, dass wir ja in Zukunft die Gelegenheit haben werden, uns persoenlich zu treffen. Ich muss mich mit der Enttaeuschung abfinden und werde Deinen Cousin Michael Mozart in Augsburg besuchen. Liebe Marienne, es war mir gleichfalls ein Vergnuegen, Deine Bekanntschaft gemacht zu haben. Deine wahre Freundin und Cousine Sophie, nee Weber My dear Marianne, I am likewise so delighted to make your acquaintance! My dear brother-in-law has so often and so affectionately and tenderly spoken of you. I have always hoped that one day, I would have the great honor of personally meeting you. And now my wishes have come true. Wolfgang has told me so often that with you, he feels so safe and at home, as with no other. Marianne, when Wolfgang speaks of you, I notice immediately his satisfied smile and the twinkle in his eye. Yes, at that time, Wolfgang is so happy again, and he enjoys inwardly a secret return to his childhood and young manhood. With you, Wolfgang is at home and safe. Yes, Marianne, I'm making a great tour with my mother. You've heard about my mother from Wolfgang. Well, you know, sometimes, I am a little afraid of my mother. You know, she can act overly critical and domineering. Oh, oh......But I have accustomed myself to her, and no longer react to her so-called outbursts. If I remain stoic, then the situation does not get worse. That's also how my Papa reacted to her, Marianne. And so far, everything has been fine on the trip. I'm crossing my fingers that it continues this way. I'm having such a lot of fun on this trip. Oh, to have reached Salzburg again brings me such great joy; I can scarcely describe it. Marianne, can it be true that you no longer live in Augsburg! Oh, my goodness gracious! I am so very disappointed that I won't be able to meet you personally; I have been so looking forward to it. I certainly hope that in the future, we shall have the opportunity to meet each other. I have to come to terms with my disappointment, and shall visit your cousin, Michael Mozart, in Augsburg. Dear Marianne, it has also been a pleasure for me to have made your acquaintance. Your true friend and cousin, Sophie, nee Weber To the Irish Tenor Michael Kelly:Ah, my dear Mr. Kelly, I am so happy to see you here in the salon! I could never forget the happy memory of your glorious voice, dear Michael. And yes, I adore dancing and good fun. Mama is so strict and proper, is she not. Sometimes at the assemblies, I fairly burst at the seams and wish to dance the night away, but Mama thinks it not proper. Oh, thank you so much for your compliments on my voice! I take a great delight in singing. My elder sisters are such role models with their beautiful voices, but singing for me is mirth and fun, as is likewise playing the pianoforte. I am so glad that you remember me, dear Mr. Kelly. Oh....I am blushing. I quite forgot myself. Do forgive me. I have called you "Michael", although it is not at all proper to address you with your Christian name. Now I am all confusion, and do not know how to address you, but shall then revert to "Mr. Kelly", unless you instruct me otherwise. (I am grinning wickedly.) Ever yours most respectfully, Sophie, nee WeberPostscript:Oh Michael, you give me good cheer! Yes, I so well remember Mama's raucousness at that last assembly, after she imbibed too much of our local heurigen Wine. And yes, I'd be so honored to dance a reel or a jig with you now. Ever yours, Sophie, nee WeberAt Table:My Dear Wolfgang, I have this night enjoyed such cheer in the company of your dear friend, Mr. Kelly. He has filled my whole dance card, and I have danced jigs, reels, and strathspeys with him the night away. Mr. Kelly is most amusing and attentive to me. He has fetched me a jug of wine, and my glass has been filled so oft I have quite lost account of the number of glasses I have sipped. Wolfgang, it is not my custom to drink of so much wine, and I feel at present so giddy and dizzy I can scarce speak or stand upright. Mama has asked me to inquire of Mr. Kelly if he is espoused and has a wife in Dublin, but I do not wish to broach the subject. After all, we are but sipping wine and dancing, are we not, and it is good, jolly fun. I see no harm that can come from such innocent pleasure, so I would not ask him so blatantly personal a question as this. Your true sister and friend, Sophie, nee Weber My Dear Mr. Kelly, I thank you with my whole heart for your advice, as I have not tasted any wine since that assembly dance you escorted Mama and me to a few days ago. You must have at that time diluted my cup with half water, but there were so many glasses that I did not notice it. I completely understand your air of bemusement, dear Mr. Kelly.I thank you so much, Mr. Kelly, for the delightful time you have given me here in Salzburg, and Mama thanks you most kindly as well. We enjoyed so much fun at table, and with the dancing! Yours ever respectfully, Sophie, nee Weber All's Well That Ends Well:My Dears, The last thing I want is to unjustly besmirch Mr. Kelly's reputation. I feel thus compelled to continue my tale of what transpired at the assembly this night. You know, Michael Kelly sat with Mama and me at table and willingly refilled our wine jug. I could tell that Mama also felt the effects of the nectar, for she laughed and smiled much more than is common with her. And dear Mr. Kelly led me over and over to the dance floor to partner him in jigs, reels, and strathspeys. When a minuet was played, he most solicitously asked Mama for the pleasure, and she comported herself on the dance floor like a girl again. Well, as I mentioned, I am not accustomed to having my wine cup refilled, and so often too! I drink it sparingly, as that is my habit, and usually only at gatherings. When the assembly ended, I could scarce raise myself from table, and I perceived that Mama was tipsy as well, so Mr. Kelly escorted us both back to the inn, which is but two blocks distance. We needed no carriage since the distance was so small. Mr. Kelly stood in the middle of us ladies, and each of us took one of his arms and held tightly onto it, while we each leaned on him a little for support. Mr. Kelly escorted us inside the inn door and politely bowed to us, and we curtsied to him. So you see, Michael, as he wishes us to call his name, was a perfect gentleman with us! He then gave us compliments, telling us how much he enjoyed the assembly with us, and then took his leave of us. So now to bed. We have a comfy room at the inn "Die Zwei Turteltauben" (the Two Turtledoves) and Mama and I each have our own bed! In one corner of our room is a new type of stove named for a former English colonist named Mr. Benjamin Franklin, who designed it. We need not use it, as it is now the height of summer. I enjoy looking out our window, down at the parade of townsfolk, carriages, and horses parading by. This afternoon, I ventured out a little onto a neighboring street where some sketches of charming towns caught my fancy, and I bought a few of them. Here, dear friends and family, do take a look: Hessen in Alten Ansichten-Antique Prints of Hessen They are not sketches of Salzburg, but I find them quite charming. Oh yes; both Mama and I have also a soft, comfy feather bed here, and it is so comfortable to recline and look up at the steep pinewood ceiling.
Yours affectionately,
Sophie, nee Weber