[ 61 ]
The word he pitched upon for this second extemporary composition was, Perfido.
After this he played a difficult lesson, which he had finished a day or two before[1]: his execution was amazing, considering that his little fingers could scarcely reach a fifth on the harsichord.
His astonishing readiness, however, did not arise merely from great practice; he had a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles of composition, as, upon producing a treble, he immediately wrote a base under it, which, when tried, had a very good effect.
He was also a great master of modulation, and his transitions from one key to another were excessively natural and judicious; he practiced in this manner for a considerable time with an handkerchief over the keys of the harpsichord.
The facts which I have been mentioning I was myself an eye witness of; to which I must add, that I have been informed by two or three able musicians, when Bach the celebrated composer had begun a fugue and left off abruptly, that little Mozart
- ↑ He published six sonatas for the harpsichord, with an accompaniment for the violin, or German flute, which are sold by R. Bremner, in the Strand, and are intituled, Oeuvre Troisme.
He is said in the title page to have been only eight years of age when he composed these sonatas.
The dedication is to the Queen, and is dated at London, January 8, 1765.
He subscribes himself, "tres humble, et tres obeissant petit serviteur."
These lessons are composed in a very original stile, and some of them are masterly.
