Mozart Treasure Unearthed in Malta
In the dusty, sun-drenched archives of the Malta National Library, a French curator has unearthed a rare Mozart treasure hidden among anonymous manuscripts. The discovery, made by Dr. Marie-Pierre de Laage, has sent ripples of excitement through the local cultural scene, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich musical history.
From Paris to Valletta
Dr. de Laage, a specialist in 18th-century music, was in Malta on a research fellowship when she stumbled upon the manuscript. She was rummaging through the library’s collection at the Old University Building on Republic Street, Valletta, when her keen eye spotted something unusual. “It was tucked away in a folder labeled ‘Miscellaneous Scores’,” she recalls. “I nearly missed it.”
Unveiling the Mozart Treasure
The manuscript turned out to be a previously unknown copy of Mozart’s “Exsultate, Jubilate”, a concert aria composed in 1773. The score, written in Mozart’s own hand, is a significant find, as it predates the first published version by nearly a decade. “This is a remarkable discovery,” says Dr. Joseph Vella, a Maltese musicologist. “It gives us a unique insight into Mozart’s compositional process.”
The manuscript is believed to have been brought to Malta by a Grand Master of the Order of St. John, who was a keen patron of the arts. It remained in the order’s library until the Malta National Library took over its collection in the 19th century.
Reviving a Musical Legacy
News of the discovery has sparked plans to revive Malta’s musical heritage. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is already preparing to perform “Exsultate, Jubilate” in a special concert at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our musical history,” says the orchestra’s director, Michael Laus.
Dr. de Laage, meanwhile, is eager to share her find with the world. “I hope this discovery will encourage more research into Malta’s musical past,” she says. “There are still many treasures waiting to be found in these archives.”
