| Detail:
Villa Bertramka is situated in Prague quarter Smichov, which is
today almost in the center of the city. In the past vineyards and farm fields covered this
area. Since 16th century wealthy Prague inhabitants started building in this
area their summer residences. One of them bought Josefina Dusek for herself and her
husband Frantisek Xavier Dusek. W.
A. Mozart visited this residence twice, first time during his work on the opera ”Don
Giovanni” and for the second time when he was preparing the opera ” La clemenza di
Tito” dedicated to the coronation of the Emperor Leopold II for Czech king in Prague.
His first stay was happy and full of success. Mozart
brought to Prague in October 1789 an unfinished opera; first he stayed at inn near Estates
theatre trying to finish it, than he was invited by Dusek family to Bertramka. Out of the
hassle and bustle of the city he can finish his magnificent opera. He finished his work
just on day before the premiere on 28. October 1787. The premiere was a great success.
His second visit was unfortunately not so successful.
For the new Emperor Leopold II he composed the opera ”la clemenza di Tito”. The
premiere was on coronation day 6. September 1791, the imperial court and especially the
Empress did not enjoy it. It was a disaster for Mozart. He left Prague shortly afterwards.
After Mozart’s death / 5.December 1791/, hi sons
spent a part of their childhood at Bertramka, especially Karl Thomas who lived there about
five years. This attractive summer residence, hidden away form the busy commercial centers
an highway crossings, still today exudes the atmosphere when Mozart visited it. |
