Mozart’s last words have been the subject of much speculation and debate among historians and music enthusiasts. While it is difficult to definitively verify his exact last words, there is a popular account of what he allegedly said moments before his passing.
According to this account, Mozart’s last words were, “The taste of death is upon my lips . . . I feel something that is not of this earth.” These words, if indeed spoken by Mozart, convey a sense of impending doom and a transcendental experience beyond the earthly realm. They have been widely circulated and are often cited as his final utterances.
However, it is important to note that the authenticity of these alleged last words is not completely certain. The account comes from a letter written by Mozart’s sister-in-law, Sophie Haibel, to a friend in 1825, over three decades after Mozart’s death. This raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the account.
Furthermore, there are other accounts of Mozart’s final moments that differ from Haibel’s version. For instance, Mozart’s wife, Constanze, wrote in a letter to her sister that he simply said, “Well, I must go now.”
Considering the discrepancies in these various accounts, it is challenging to determine with certainty what Mozart’s true last words were. It is possible that the exact phrasing may have been lost to history or embellished over time.
Regardless of the precise words Mozart spoke before his death, it is clear that he was aware of his impending demise. His health had been deteriorating for some time, and he was aware of the seriousness of his condition. Mozart passed away on December 5, 1791, at the age of 35, leaving behind a vast musical legacy that continues to captivate and inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.
While Mozart’s alleged last words, “The taste of death is upon my lips . . . I feel something that is not of this earth,” are often cited, their authenticity remains uncertain. Different accounts exist, and the exact phrasing may have been lost or altered over time. Nonetheless, the sentiment expressed in these words, along with Mozart’s awareness of his imminent death, adds a poignant and mysterious aspect to the final moments of one of history’s greatest composers.