Some years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the house in Prague where Mozart composed his Symphony 38 in D Major, also known as the "Prague Symphony," in December 1786. I have always found it enjoyable to visit the 'places' of people whom I admire, because it helps one to realize that these are not figures in a story, but real people, with all the emotions, fears, and concerns that we have. We are of the same stuff. I am always deeply moved when I am able to see the things that historical figures have used and touched, and the places where they lived and worked. I have read a few books on Mozart's life in an earlier period of my life which was more given over to music. I have seen most of his operas live, with the exception of an early one or two that are rarely performed, and have an extensive collection of his music on disc. He remains an endless delight. Most people have been exposed to his life only through the movie Amadeus which, while entertaining, misses much of the complexity of the person himself in caricature. The BBC is remarkable in its documentaries. I have a very few quarrels with this one, but it is quite good, and I hope you enjoy it.
