Alchemy and geometry of the passions: Mozart and mesmer|Alchimia e geometria delle passioni: Mozart e mesmer

The paper examines the relationship between W.A. Mozart and A. Mesmer moving from the evidences in the correspondence of Mozart's family, who used to attend the house of the German physician. Some clinical cases in which the "animal magnetism" was applied are reported, as Mozart was probably a direct witness. Mesmer's professional and private events had certainly an impact on the opinion that Mozart had of him. This led to the parodistic outline of the magnetism in a famous scene of Così fan tutte. With regard to this work a more underground aspect of the relationship can be seen: i.e. a sort of analogy between the link among the individuals claimed by the magnetism and the passions evoked in Mozart's theatre, that outline a geometry going beyond the conventions and designed to change the very setting of the vocal style of the Nineteenth century. © 2012 by Liguori Editore, S.r.l.