Not Mozart: Letters, Riddles and Writs

The 1991 one-act opera television production "Not Mozart: Letters, Riddles and Writs" by Michael Nyman presents a unique exploration of artistic identity, creative process, and the boundaries between reality and fiction. The music of the opera weaves a captivating narrative that navigates the complexities of a fictional composer's inner world. The opera tells the story of a fictional composer named "Not Mozart," a complex and troubled character who grapples with his own identity as a composer and as a person. Not Mozart is depicted as a self-centered, anxious, and often cruel individual, but at the same time, he is driven by a deep passion for his art. Through a series of letters, riddles, and writs, the composer's inner monologue is revealed, providing a glimpse into the turmoil that lies beneath his seemingly polished and confident exterior. The opera's narrative is structured around a series of musical vignettes, each of which corresponds to a specific letter or riddle written by Not Mozart. These musical scenes, accompanied by witty and insightful libretto, provide a kaleidoscopic view of the composer's inner landscape. In one scene, Not Mozart reflects on his childhood, describing his love of music and his early struggles to find his voice as a composer. This scene is set against the backdrop of a stately waltz, its elegant, baroque-inspired melodies evoking a sense of timelessness and tradition. Not Mozart's relationship with his muse, a beautiful and enigmatic figure known only as "The Composer's Muse," is another central element of the opera. Through a series of riddles and writs, Not Mozart grapples with the mystery of this elusive figure, describing their encounters and exchanges in vivid, often unsettling detail. Their relationship is portrayed as a complicated and often fraught one, with Not Mozart vacillating between adoration and revulsion. The opera's use of language is a key aspect of its narrative, with Not Mozart's letters, riddles, and writs serving as a kind of verbal cipher. Through these texts, the composer's inner world is revealed in all its complexity, revealing a profound sense of self-doubt, anxiety, and creative turmoil. The libretto, written by Michael Nyman in collaboration with other artists, is a masterful blend of wit, insight, and poetic nuance, perfectly capturing the nuances of Not Mozart's psyche. One of the most striking aspects of "Not Mozart: Letters, Riddles and Writs" is its use of music to evoke the composer's inner world. Nyman's score is a virtuosic blend of modernist experimentation and classical reference, drawing on a wide range of influences to create a distinctive and often unsettling sound. The music is both beautiful and disturbing, reflecting the contradictions that lie at the heart of Not Mozart's character. Throughout the opera, Nyman's music is woven together with the libretto to create a seamless and captivating dramatic narrative. The result is a deeply engaging and thought-provoking work that rewards close attention and reflection. "Not Mozart: Letters, Riddles and Writs" is a masterpiece of modern opera, a work that continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of the boundaries between art and reality, and the complexities of the creative process itself.