Eduard Mörike’s story is a quiet snapshot, not a sweeping biography. We meet Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his wife Constanze in 1787. They’re traveling from Vienna to Prague, where Mozart is to conduct the premiere of his opera Don Giovanni. During a rest stop, a distracted Mozart wanders into the private garden of a noble family. Captivated by a perfect orange, he plucks it from the tree—a thoughtless act of trespass and theft.

The Story

The tale unfolds over a single evening. The owners of the estate, the von Schinzberg family, discover the famous but sheepish trespasser. Instead of anger, they feel awe and pity. They invite the Mozarts to stay, turning the awkward incident into an impromptu salon. As the night deepens, conversation flows, music is played (a haunting preview of Don Giovanni), and we see Mozart not as a marble monument, but as a man vibrating with creative energy, plagued by financial worries, and deeply aware of his own fleeting time.

Why You Should Read It

This isn’t really a book about Mozart the composer; it’s about Mozart the person. Mörike gets the magic right. You feel the composer’s restless genius and his very normal anxiety. The heart of the story is that stolen orange—a tiny, foolish act that opens a door to profound human connection. It asks a wonderful question: Can a moment of embarrassment become something beautiful? The writing is lush and atmospheric, pulling you completely into that autumn evening.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction that feels intimate, not epic. If you enjoy character studies that explore the person behind the icon, or simply love a beautifully written, contemplative story you can read in one sitting, this is for you. It’s a small, perfect gem about art, life, and the unexpected moments that define us.