EXCERPTS FROM EINSTEIN’S MOZART: TWO GENIUSES 
(copyright 2006 Kate Light) 

EINSTEIN
From ETHER, OR...?

in which Einstein suggests an alternative to the wave theory of light and rejects the ether theory. 

“Excuse me, dear physicists, 
please make a note of this;
I have a radical theory of light:

If I may articulate: 
it’s both wave and particulate.
You’ll want to debate, so I’ll wait, for I’m right.”

From A REMARKABLE YEAR: 1905

in which Einstein speaks of his work at the patent office in Bern and of the five papers he publishes that year.   

“Though Newton’s mechanics till now have been fine;
there are several old laws that I must redefine. 
You see, time is subjective,
and space needs perspective;
not even a measure of length stays in line. 

Let’s cancel the notion of ‘absolute rest,’
and say, Time, while in motion, is slightly compressed.
All things move in relation
to other things; station-
ary’s a concept I have re-assessed.

Now let’s throw out the ether! And with that outcast,
here’s lightspeed, the standard that can’t be surpassed.
If you race toward a ray,
it will still speed away.
And be always ahead at a speed just that fast.”

MOZART 
From TRAVELING IN COACH

which describes Mozart’s years as a traveling child prodigy, first with his sister as a duo act, then alone.

Wherever he went, he was often subjected
to test after test; the poor boy was inspected.

Could he play with a cloth totally covering the keys?
Could he improvise fugues with astonishing ease?
Could he make up an aria with pure melodies?
And a text as well? As quick as you please.

Did he ever get tired; did he ever feel pain?
Did he once say, Please, don’t put me through this again?
Did he say, Couldn’t somebody else entertain?
He was such a good boy. He would never complain.

 From FRIENDS OF THE PAST

in which Mozart talks about his busy life as a composer and the many challenges he has to meet.

“Though some of my patrons put on fancy airs,
all I want is one listener with capable ears.

For what use is playing if nobody cares?
The audience would just be like...tables and chairs.”
  

EINSTEIN'S MOZART: TWO GENIUSES was commissioned by the
Colorado Chamber Players to commemorate both the centenary of Einstein's Miracle Year (1905-2005)
and the 250th birthday of Mozart (1756-2006)
Barbara Hamilton Primus, Artistic Director
Premiere: January 19, 2006
Denver, Colorado

 emailkate@mindspring.com
Copyright 2006 Kate Light