Mozart’s Lost Aria Found in Malta
In the heart of Valletta, at the prestigious National Library of Malta, a French curator has made a discovery that has sent ripples of excitement through the classical music world. Hidden among anonymous manuscripts, she unearthed a rare Mozart treasure – a previously unknown aria, handwritten by the master himself.
An Unlikely Discovery
Dr. Sophie Leclair, a visiting curator from the Bibliothèque nationale de France, was in Malta to study the library’s collection of 18th-century musical scores. She stumbled upon the manuscript while cataloging a collection of anonymous arias, tucked away in a worn-out folder. “I nearly missed it,” she admits, “It was sandwiched between two other manuscripts, looking rather unremarkable.”
What caught her eye was a small, neat signature at the bottom of the page – “Mozart”. Intrigued, she examined the manuscript more closely. The aria, titled “L’Amore è un Birdo” (Love is a Bird), was written for soprano and accompanied by a simple yet elegant piano score. The handwriting was unmistakably Mozart’s.
Mozart in Malta: A New Chapter
Mozart’s connection to Malta is not new. We know he visited the island in 1770, performing at the Teatro Manoel in La Valette. However, no musical compositions from his time here have ever been found. Until now.
Dr. Leclair believes “L’Amore è un Birdo” could have been composed during Mozart’s visit. “The style is typical of his early works, but there are also hints of the unique sound he would later develop,” she explains. The aria’s playful lyrics, penned by an unknown poet, seem to reflect Mozart’s joyful spirit during his time in Malta.
Preserving a Piece of History
The National Library is now working with international experts to authenticate the manuscript and preserve it. Plans are also underway to perform “L’Amore è un Birdo” for the first time in over two centuries. “We’re hoping to stage a concert later this year,” says Dr. ABEL, the library’s director, “It will be a historic moment for Malta and for Mozart enthusiasts worldwide.”
For now, the manuscript remains under careful watch in the library’s conservation lab. Visitors can catch a glimpse of it through a special viewing window, a testament to Malta’s rich musical heritage and the ongoing efforts to unearth and preserve its treasures.
