Sigma Alpha Iota

24 Spring 2024 • sai-national.org 24 Spring 2024 • sai-national.org A Wld of Music By Jayne I. Hanlin On my short train ride from Munich to Augsburg, I sat across from a young, Ukrainian woman. Upon arrival, she kindly escorted me to Leopold- Mozart-Haus at Frauentorstraße 30 where Leopold Mozart, the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born and lived with his family in rented rooms between 1719 and 1721. From 1937, Mozarthaus Augsburg has presented exhibitions featuring both Johann Georg Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — father and son. is museum closed for renovation in 2018. e City of Augsburg announced that when it reopened with a new name in 2019, the tricentennial of Leopold's birth, it would focus solely on the city's native son and father of the Salzburg genius. Covid restrictions delayed its permanent reopening until May 2021. Although Leopold is well known as the father of Wolfgang, he, too, was a fine composer and musician. One of eight children, he was born in a crasman's house. His father, Johann Georg Mozart (1679 -1736), was a bookbinder. Aer two years in this residence, the family moved near the Jesuit School where Leopold received a fine, well-rounded education. e house-museum has three floors. Upon entering, two Leopold busts were on guard by a window. Preliminary to proceeding upstairs was a short introductory video on view. As I listened to Peasant Wedding from Sinfonia in D major scored for the instruments on display — including a pistol — my arm inadvertently hit a leather streamer with attached sleigh bells. inking this racket prompted the quick appearance of Katarzyna, a museum guide, I apologized. Smiling, she assured me, "ey are meant to be touched!" Her response was the first proof of the friendly, inviting atmosphere of the museum — definitely not a place reserved for stuffy musicians! Most of the year, Katarzyna is busy giving English tours around the city and working part time at the museum. She graciously gave me a private tour since I was the only visitor. Her thoughtful explanations and willingness to answer my Leopold- Mozart-Haus in Augsburg, Germany The birthplace of Leopold Mozart, father to Wolfgang Amadeus. The birthplace of Leopold Mozart, father to Wolfgang Amadeus. Katarzyna Lehner, photo Katarzyna Lehner, photo 24 Spring 2024 • sai-national.org

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