Did Thomas Jefferson Ever Meet Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
The idea that Thomas Jefferson and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart met is intriguing, but upon closer examination, there is no historical evidence to suggest a meeting between these two notable historical figures. While Thomas Jefferson was an accomplished musician and had a significant collection of classical music, including works by Mozart, the timeline of their supposed lives and travels does not coincide in a way that would have allowed for an actual meeting.
Lack of Historical Evidence
Despite the intriguing rumors, no historical documentation or eyewitness accounts exist to support the claim that Thomas Jefferson and Mozart ever met in person. Jefferson was in Paris from 1784 to 1789 as the United States' ambassador, whereas Mozart was primarily based in Vienna with occasional visits to other cities. Mozart's last visit to Paris in 1778 resulted in financial difficulties and the death of his mother, making it unlikely he would return.
The primary sources available include records of Jefferson's music collection, which includes composers such as Haydn, Gluck, Handel, Corelli, Boccherini, Vivaldi, and Bach’s sons – JC Bach and CPE Bach. It is likely that Jefferson had copies of Mozart's music in his library, but contemporary records do not confirm a direct meeting between them.
Jefferson's Musical Predisposition
Thomas Jefferson, as an ambassador, was an avid music lover and was known to have a deep appreciation for classical compositions. He was fond of the music of the Enlightenment period, and his extensive library included a large collection of sheet music and instruments like the glass armonica. However, none of his preserved writings or correspondence mention Mozart, and a specific piece of music by Mozart has never been found in Jefferson's collection.
One story suggests that Jefferson may have met Mozart to discuss commissioning a piece of music to honor his late wife. This idea, however, is not substantiated by any historical documents or records. By most accounts, the meeting did not result in any tangible outcome, and it is unlikely that such a significant and formal meeting took place given Jefferson's busy diplomatic duties.
Historical Context and Mozart's Travels
Mozart, while well-established in Vienna, did have an extensive touring schedule. His travels included visits to cities such as Munich, Berlin, and Prague, but there is no reliable account of a visit to Paris during Jefferson's tenure. Despite the possibility of Mozart being in the same city as Jefferson at different times, the lack of any records or evidence of a personal meeting makes this unlikely.
Mozart's mother, who died in Paris in 1778, was the last significant time he visited the city. According to historical accounts, he did not find employment and returned to Salzburg. There is no mention of his ever returning to France after that, let alone meeting someone as significant as Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson, as a diplomat, would have been busy with his official duties and would not have had the time or inclination to seek out a meeting with a composer unless there was a formal cultural establishment or event that brought them together. Without any documented evidence, the meeting remains a matter of speculation rather than fact.
Conclusion
While Thomas Jefferson and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart shared a passion for music, and it is likely that Jefferson owned and appreciated Mozart's work, there is no verifiable historical evidence to suggest that they ever met in person. The timelines of their lives and potential meeting points do not align, and the gap in their respective historical records further supports the notion that any such meeting remains a historical myth.
Should any new evidence come to light, whether through official records, personal letters, or other primary sources, it would be welcomed by both historians and music enthusiasts. However, based on current scholarly research, the story of Jefferson and Mozart meeting is a charming fiction that cannot be substantiated by historical facts.