Meaning: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era, was known for his exceptional talent and ability to captivate audiences with his compositions. The quote you provided, attributed to musician Emanuel Ax, sheds light on a fascinating aspect of Mozart's performances and the immediate impact of his music on listeners.

Mozart's letters to his family offer glimpses into his experiences, thoughts, and emotions, providing valuable insights into his musical career and personal life. In this particular quote, Mozart's expression of the immediate demand for encores highlights the profound effect his music had on audiences during his performances. It speaks to the power and allure of his compositions, as well as the fervent response they elicited from listeners.

The practice of requesting encores during classical music performances has historical roots and reflects the audience's enthusiastic appreciation for a particular piece or section of a composition. In Mozart's time, encores were a customary way for audiences to express their admiration and desire to hear a piece again. However, the fact that Mozart specifically mentioned certain variations or sections as being so successful that they warranted immediate encores underscores the exceptional quality and impact of his music.

Mozart's ability to create music that resonated deeply with listeners, compelling them to seek an immediate repetition of specific sections, speaks to his mastery of composition and his intuitive understanding of what captivates an audience. His compositions often featured intricate melodies, harmonies, and emotionally resonant themes that could evoke a range of feelings and emotions, leaving a lasting impression on those who experienced his music.

The concept of an encore also underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of classical music performances during Mozart's era. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between the composer, the performers, and the audience, with each playing a crucial role in the live musical experience. The audience's enthusiastic response to Mozart's music would have undoubtedly influenced the atmosphere of his performances, creating a sense of shared excitement and appreciation between the composer and his listeners.

Furthermore, Mozart's inclination to communicate the immediacy of the demand for encores to his family reflects his pride and joy in the success of his compositions. It suggests that he took great pleasure in sharing the enthusiastic reception of his music with his loved ones, further underscoring the personal significance of his creative achievements.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Emanuel Ax offers a glimpse into the profound impact of Mozart's music on audiences and the immediate demand for encores that some of his compositions elicited. It provides a window into the vibrant and interactive nature of classical music performances during Mozart's time, as well as the exceptional quality and emotional resonance of his compositions. Mozart's ability to evoke such fervent responses from audiences speaks to his enduring legacy as a composer whose music continues to captivate and inspire listeners to this day.