"Nevertheless the passions, whether violent or not, should never be so expressed as to reach the point of causing disgust; and music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music"

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s assertion brings into focus the delicate balance between emotional expression and aesthetic pleasure in music. He acknowledges that composers and performers are called to communicate the full spectrum of human passion, from the gentle to the most violent. The arts, and music in particular, have the profound ability to channel and portray powerful feelings: anguish, terror, love, joy, and even horror. Yet Mozart cautions that such expression must be guided by restraint and consideration for beauty.

He recognizes a threshold beyond which emotional depiction becomes counterproductive. If the outpouring of passion in music is too raw, unfiltered, or excessive, it risks alienating listeners by evoking disgust rather than empathy. Disgust creates distance, erodes enjoyment, and shuts down the engagement that is essential to the musical experience. Even when confronting the darkest aspects of human existence or the most tumultuous emotions, music must never inflict pain on the listener. The sounds may evoke fear, sadness, or intensity, but they should not assault the ear or devolve into unpleasantness.

Mozart advocates for an artistry where music “flatters and charms” the ear irrespective of the emotions it conveys. The principle at work is that art’s purpose is not merely to imitate or erupt with feeling, but to transmute emotion into something elevated and beautiful. There is an underlying respect for the listener, a recognition of the importance of pleasing and captivating the audience, even in the midst of depicting horror or despair. The aesthetic experience must always be preserved.

By maintaining this musical beauty, composers ensure that even the most disturbing emotional journeys taken through their music are accessible and meaningful. The artistry lies in transformation, where any passion, however intense, is filtered through skill, taste, and sensitivity, remaining true to the essence of music: a harmonious blending of expression and pleasure.