We all know that Mozart was a clever and gifted composer, and a friend to Joseph and Michael Haydn, but to what end? Was Mozart as true a friend to Michael as he was to the older, more celebrated Joseph? And were his skills so remarkable that he could imitate the compositional style of his friends?

Looking into evidence that has been recovered from the late 18th century, interested parties may find clues that will disclose the solution to these mysteries.

Michael Haydn, like his older brother Joseph (Mozart’s mentor), was a composer. His works, however, were often overs­hadowed and underrated because of his brother’s success and widespread reputation as an accomplished composer. Michael was also a friend of Mozart, and on the occasion described below, a thankful one at that.

It is said that Michael Haydn was commissioned to compose six duets, and that he was able to write only the first four before falling ill.

When Mozart learned of Haydn’s illness, he stepped in and wrote the last two duets under his friend’s name. In the process, he demonstrated both his skill and his compassion for a friend.