Mozart Treasure Found in Malta’s National Library
In the quiet, dusty corners of the National Library of Malta, a French curator has unearthed a rare Mozart treasure, hidden among anonymous manuscripts for over two centuries. The discovery, made by Dr. Sophie Lemoine, has sent ripples of excitement through the local cultural scene, offering a unique glimpse into the life and work of one of history’s most celebrated composers.
From Paris to Valletta
Dr. Lemoine, a specialist in Mozart’s manuscripts, was invited to Malta by the National Library to catalog and study their collection of musical scores. Little did she know that her meticulous work would lead her to stumble upon a piece of musical history hidden in plain sight. “I was going through these manuscripts, most of them anonymous or attributed to lesser-known composers,” she recalls, “when suddenly, there it was – a Mozart aria, in his own handwriting.”
Mozart in Malta
The aria, a beautiful and intricate piece titled “Va dal furor portata,” was written for the opera “Il sogno di Scipione,” which premiered in 1772 in Salzburg. What makes this discovery so remarkable is not just the rarity of the manuscript, but the fact that it offers a tangible connection to Mozart’s time in Malta. In 1770, the young Mozart and his father Leopold had spent several months in the island nation, performing at the Teatro Manoel in Valletta.
“We know that Mozart was here, but we have very little physical evidence of his time in Malta,” says Dr. Joseph Farrugia, Director of the National Library. “This manuscript is a rare and precious artifact that brings that history to life.”
Unraveling the Mystery
Dr. Lemoine is still studying the manuscript, trying to unravel the mystery of how it ended up in Malta. She suspects it may have been brought here by one of the many Italian musicians who traveled between Europe and the Mediterranean in the 18th century. “It’s like finding a piece of a puzzle that you didn’t know existed,” she says, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
The aria is now on display at the National Library, giving locals and tourists alike a unique opportunity to see and hear a piece of Mozart’s music, written in his own hand, right here in Malta.
