W.A.,

Unbelievable! What a night! I sat down to write this as soon as we walked in the door, & though my eyes are full of sleep, my head is yet full of your stellar Figaro. I don’t care what the critics say – any paper that says Figaro was not a triumph is only fit for wrapping fish! I hope you got your money’s worth out of this extraordinary artwork, because your audience surely did! I have never seen so many encores in my life… (The diva in me was
only slightly jealous!) I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if the Emperor put a stop to the encores eventually, however. I didn’t notice at first, because I was so captivated by the music, but it seems that certain ‘important’ people were quite shocked at your cavalier treatment of the ‘noble’ characters. Well, I for one say bravo!

Common people are certainly capable of cleverness & happiness. (Although you know better than anyone that it always helps to have money!) Now, for heavensake! Get that seductively silly sinfonia out of my head, or I will go to bed giggling like a madwoman, & Joseph will think I have truly lost my mind! Will you conduct & play piano during tomorrow’s performance as well?

Mille grazie for the autographed program!

♥ Aloysia.

(Exerpts from Letters to Mozart © 2006 Kristin Serafini.)