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Programme Note

MOZART ON MORTALITY was written for Mary Wiegold and the Composers' Ensemble. It is based on music I composed for LETTERS, RIDDLES AND WRITS, the BBC 2 'Not Mozart' series marking the bicentenary of Mozart's death in 1991.

© Michael Nyman

MOZART ON MORTALITY
(text: Mozart)

I have now made a habit of being prepared in all affairs of life for the worst.

As death is the true goal of our existence,
I have formed these last years such close relations
with this best and truest friend of mankind
that his image is no longer terrifying to me,
but is very soothing and consoling,
and I thank my God for graciously granting me
the opportunity of learning that death is the key
which unlocks the door to our true happiness.

I never lie down at night without reflecting that young as I am
I may not see another day.