Mozart's Racy Canon: 'Leck mich im Arsch'

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a name synonymous with classical elegance and profound musical genius. Yet, even the most revered figures can harbor a playful, even scandalous, side. Among his vast catalog of symphonies, operas, and concertos lies a surprising piece that continues to raise eyebrows and illicit chuckles: a canon titled "Leck mich im Arsch."

"Leck mich im Arsch": More Than Just a Title

Translated directly from German, "Leck mich im Arsch" means "Lick me in the arse." For modern sensibilities, this might seem incredibly vulgar, almost unbelievable coming from such a celebrated composer. However, in 18th-century German, the phrase carried a more nuanced, though still defiant, idiomatic meaning, akin to "Kiss my ass" or "Up yours!" It was a crude expression of contempt or dismissal, not necessarily an invitation for a literal act.

Mozart penned this vocal canon, cataloged as K. 231 (or K. 382c), around 1782 in Vienna. It's a short, lively piece for six voices in B-flat major, full of typical Mozartean charm, juxtaposed with its utterly unexpected lyrics. The sheer audacity of the title and its content stands as a testament to a lesser-known facet of the composer's personality.

Mozart's Penchant for the Peculiar

Far from being a singular lapse in judgment, "Leck mich im Arsch" fits squarely within Mozart's documented love for scatological and crude humor. His letters, particularly those to his beloved cousin Maria Anna Thekla Mozart (known as the "Bäsle letters"), are rife with wordplay, rhymes, and overt references to bodily functions and sexual innuendo. This often shocks those who only know the sublime beauty of his major works.

This side of Mozart reveals a man who, despite his elevated status in music, was very much a product of his time and possessed a decidedly earthy sense of humor. He wasn't afraid to poke fun at conventions, and his inner circle likely appreciated this irreverent wit. These private jokes and musical pranks were a way for him to let loose and express himself outside the rigid confines of courtly expectations.

A Historical Context for Humor

While shocking today, scatological humor was not uncommon in 18th-century European society, especially in less formal settings. Public sanitation was poor, and bodily functions were a more prominent, unavoidable part of daily life. This familiarity often led to a more open, albeit crude, form of humor that might surprise us now.

Canons, by their very nature, are often lighthearted and convivial pieces. They involve multiple voices singing the same melody but starting at different times, creating a pleasing, interwoven texture. Mozart composed several such canons, many of which were likely intended for private entertainment among friends and family, perfect for showcasing a quick wit and a shared sense of humor.

From Unruly Original to Respectable Revision

The original lyrics of "Leck mich im Arsch" are undoubtedly the most striking aspect of the piece. They are explicit and leave little to the imagination regarding their intended meaning. However, the world almost never heard Mozart's true intention.

After Mozart's untimely death, his widow, Constanze, oversaw the publication of many of his works. Recognizing the scandalous nature of these particular lyrics, she made a pragmatic decision. For public consumption, the words were altered to the far more palatable "Lasst froh uns sein" ("Let us be joyful"). This sanitized version allowed the music to be enjoyed without offending delicate ears, but it obscured the composer's original, mischievous intent.

It wasn't until much later that scholars rediscovered the authentic lyrics, bringing to light this fascinating and humorous glimpse into Mozart's private world. This revelation helped to paint a more complete, and arguably more human, picture of the prodigious composer.

Mozart's "Leck mich im Arsch" serves as a powerful reminder that even the greatest artists are complex individuals. Their creativity isn't always confined to the grand and the glorious. Sometimes, it manifests in irreverent jests, private jokes, and expressions of humor that transcend time, even if they sometimes shock our modern sensibilities. It adds a vibrant, human dimension to the legend of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, proving that genius can indeed be a little bit potty-mouthed.