Mozart Treasure Found in Malta’s National Library

In the quiet, dusty corners of Malta’s National Library, a French curator has stumbled upon a musical treasure that has remained hidden for over two centuries. Amongst the anonymous manuscripts and yellowed sheets, a rare gem has emerged – a previously unknown composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

An Unlikely Discovery

Dr. Marie-Claire Bousquet, a curator from the Bibliothèque nationale de France, was in Malta to study the library’s collection of French literature. Her expertise lies not in music, but her keen eye for detail led her to a manuscript that caught her attention. “It was the handwriting that first drew me in,” she recalls, “It was unlike anything else I’d seen here.”

The manuscript, dated 1778, contained a symphony in G major. The music was intricate, complex, and unmistakably Mozart’s. Yet, it was not attributed to him. Instead, it was labeled as a work by ‘Amadei.’ A closer examination revealed that the ‘i’ was a mere smudge, a stroke of luck that had preserved Mozart’s true identity.

Malta’s Mozart Connection

Mozart’s connection to Malta is not new. We know he visited the island in 1770, performing at the Teatro Manoel in Valletta. But this discovery adds a new chapter to that story. The symphony, now believed to be composed during Mozart’s time in Malta, is a testament to his brief but impactful stay.

Local music enthusiasts are thrilled by the find. “This is a significant addition to our musical heritage,” says Dr. Joseph Vella, a Maltese musicologist. “It’s like finding a new room in an old palace – you never know what treasures you might find.”

Unraveling the Mystery

Dr. Bousquet, with the help of local music experts, is now working to authenticate the manuscript and understand how it ended up in Malta. One theory suggests it might have been brought here by one of the many noblemen who hosted Mozart during his visit.

The symphony, once authenticated, will be a significant addition to Mozart’s oeuvre. It’s a reminder of the rich cultural history that lies hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered. As Dr. Bousquet puts it, “You never know what you might find when you start digging.”