I am not sure what the historians would say about Mozart and
Lasers (or the fact that Bruce Kirby allegedly invented the Laser after
Mozart's demise).
But I think the evidence of Mozart sailing a Laser should not be
dismissed.
A couple of weeks ago I was out for our weekly race and, as usual,
once I was on the water everything seemed right with the world (except for my
race skills - but that is another matter). I was particularly struck by
just how right everything seemed. The quotidian cares of the world
completely dissipated. My existential angst evaporated. Silly worries
over life, money, relationships, etc. simply floated away in the wake of my
boat. I honestly don't remember how I did in the race - it doesn't
matter. I knew that sailing in my Laser was a restorative balm and that I
had been granted entry into a space that was, if not other worldly, at least
close enough to sense the peace emanating from it.
Then last night I watched for about the 5th time Joseph Losey's
amazing film of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. And, several times during it,
Mozart's breathtakingly beautiful music and the exquisite Italian setting
transported me away to another space that was also far, far removed from the
daily clutter and messiness of my life. Mozart was clearly a genius and
Don Giovanni is an absolute proof of that. The story, like many opera
stories, is better not examined too closely for logical consistency – but never
mind - when the music is so heavenly, storyline logic is not very relevant.
So, what could have inspired Mozart to compose such incredible
music? It must have been something that
allowed him to sense things beyond the everyday, beyond the ordinary. Laser sailing immediately springs to mind as
a possibility. In fact, listening to his operas is all the proof I need to know
that he sailed Lasers.
But, just to be sure - is there anything else that might be
evidence of his Laser experiences?
We could look to the beautiful "Soave Sia Il Vento" trio
from Così Fan Tutte which may well be another proof. The lovers bid adieu to each other, singing “On
your voyage, may the winds be gentle; may the waves be calm; may all the
elements respond to your desires…” I can
well imagine that, following a few hours of Laser sailing in 25 knots, Mozart felt
fully inspired to compose the lovely music as an ardent hymn to the wind gods.
There you have it. Who could doubt that Wolfgang was a Laser
sailor.
