K. 15, Sonata in B-Flat

K. 15, Sonata in B-Flat

A two-movement work, of a new set of tempos.  Andante Meastoso and Allegro Grazioso.  The terms are Greek to me (not actually, I have taken four semesters of Greek).  The first is ions more moving than the second.  The violin (or flute—I listened top both versions.) anticipates a hopeful future and sighs in content, all mixed with hints of trepidation.  The second movement is frolicking ditty.

K. 10-15 were all published in England.  I couldn’t help but wonder… (Trying to be as least offensive as possible.)  What if Leopold would have stayed in England?  England received the Mozarts well.  And, Leopold felt they were appreciated there.  Great composers flocked to England, including JC Bach.  In spite of musical growth fodder, Leopold could not confine himself to an area that wasn’t Catholic.  Now, I know the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. But, I can’t help notice the oodles of people who doggedly stick to something they don’t believe in.  Too often people tie their identities into worldviews that don’t agree with.  For example one time I heard a commentator state a certain candidate couldn’t help his religion because he was ‘born that way.’   This mentality illustrates why so many cling to a religion even if they do no believe it.  Religion to many is not a choice, but part of who they are.  I disagree with that notion. 

I was talking with a friend, who was getting married in the Catholic Church.  He complained about what the priest was saying.  I asked him why he had to get married in the Catholic Church.  He said because he was Catholic.  I asked him if he believe such-and-such and what-and-not.  He said no to every point.  I didn’t want to say it, but the truth is he was not Catholic.   How many others cling to a religion they don’t believe (or for that matter a non-religion)? I’m not out to bash Catholics or the religious.  If fact, I’m of a strong reformed Baptist theology.  I am simply saying if you were to ask me about the points that define such a theology, I actually believe them.  And, I strive to stand by them.  

So how does this apply to Mozart?  Leopold insisted on being in a Catholic area because he was Catholic.  But, something about his understanding of his faith goads me.  A man of faith so tightly clinging to the material.  His letters are riddled with complaints of financial woes.  However, historians have suggested, Leopold likely had sufficient income.  I’m not saying he didn’t believe in Catholicism, simply that he didn’t fully understand it.  And not understanding one’s faith is not problematic (no one really does), but an unwillingness to dig deeper is. 

And, maybe I’m a prejudice stick-in-the-mud, who sides with a Protestant theology, and thinks it would have been a no-brainer for Mozart to stay in England. Just… Who knows what would have been different if they had stayed in England?  With the revolutionary war soon to come, maybe they were better off.