Mysliveček -- scratching at syphilis
on his nose -- passes Fountain of Neptune,
on his nose -- passes Fountain of Neptune,
tense psyche resounding with chords of his
new symphony. He squints, Bologna’s sun
mocking his lack of sleep. He’s on his way
to lunch with the Mozarts, give young Wolfgang
another classic model to portray
within his own work. Laugh how applause rang
with “Il Boerno!” at last night’s opera.
Later, sun hidden behind Apennines,
Josef leans close to the candelabra,
its glow gracing his composition -- lines
making history with a new quintet --
a work most historians will forget.
Roger Armbrust
March 12, 2016
