MOZART

When I was researching the life of Marie Antoinette, I always loved the famous episode at Schönbrunn on 13 October 1762: Mozart aged six was brought by his father to play the harpsichord to the Empress Maria Theresa and the imperial family. Marie Antoinette, the Empress’ fifteenth child and three months Mozart’s senior, was among those present. The boy, who played ‘marvellously’, was rewarded with money as well as a lilac-coloured coat belonging to Marie Antoinette’s brother Max.

According to legend, the young Mozart then flung himself at the young Marie Antoinette and declared that he would marry her when he grew up. I have always found this story - no doubt apocryphal - a counterfactual delight. My favourite composer and my favourite heroine united! If only... Surely both would have had far happier lives, Mozart with no money worries (I am assuming a massive dowry) and Marie Antoinette with an engaging and ardent husband instead of that sad lout Louis XVI.