Silence reigned in the room. The guests also were disturbed by Mozart’s reserved manner,—the same Mozart who was always so willing to praise and quick to appreciate, when there was occasion for praise and appreciation, and who now showed not a trace of his customary enthusiasm after such a specially masterly performance.
“You judge the young man too severely, dear Mozart,” whispered Prince Lichnowski to him. “His playing has really electrified me.”
“Oh, that performance is of no great consequence,” replied Mozart, with a shrug of the shoulder. “It is only a prepared show-piece which the young man has given us; I do not allow myself to be excited by such things.”
This was said in a low voice, but Beethoven heard it. The cloud disappeared from his brow. He raised his head, shook his mane, and with flashing eyes said to Mozart:
“No, sir, that is not a show-piece learned by heart that I played, but a free fantasie. In proof of this I ask you to give me a theme for another free fantasie, and then I will show you what I can do.”
“Oho! Oho! don’t get too excited, young man,” replied Mozart. “You can have a theme—develop this one.”
Mozart leaned over Beethoven’s shoulder, played the theme, and then stepped back a little. Beethoven instantly grasped the theme. He always played best when aroused, and at this instant he was still excited by the presence of the honored master. He developed the theme with such skill and brilliancy of technique that he carried his audience away with wonder at his inspired performance.
All indifference and coolness disappeared from Mozart’s manner. With the young musician’s first passages and accords, deep interest was apparent on his countenance, and when Beethoven finished his fantasie and arose from the piano, Mozart went up to him, embraced him, and said in a tone of voice all could hear, “This young man, some day or other, will make a noise in the world.”
Now it was all joy and exultation. Beethoven was visibly affected, and trembled, while flashes of triumph shot from his piercing eyes. The princely couple and the guests overwhelmed him with congratulations.
After that evening Beethoven was regarded in Vienna as destined to musical greatness, and he found friends and well-wishers everywhere. Prince Lichnowski was completely devoted to him. He gave him a room in his palace, and a standing invitation to his table as a guest.