Getting the Most Out of Mozart: The Instrumental Works

Unlocking the Masters #3

by David Hurwitz

(Amadeus). In this book, Hurwitz takes the reader/listener through Mozart's chamber and orchestral music. This music doesn't sound like anyone else's only Mozart could have written it. What makes it so special and how to enjoy it are explored. The audio features excerpts from BMG Classics Recordings.

Genres: Music

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

David Hurwitz (born 29 August 1961) is an American music critic and author who specializes in classical music.

Based in New York, he is the founder and executive editor of ClassicsToday.com and frequently reviews recordings there. Hurwitz has published numerous books, primarily guides on specific composers for the Amadeus Press "Unlocking the Masters" series, namely, Mahler, Mozart, Dvořák, Haydn, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Bernstein, Strauss, C. P. E. Bach and Handel. Other publications include an introduction to classical music, two articles on the 19th-century use of vibrato as well as surveys on the symphonies of Beethoven (the 5th and 7th) and Brahms (all four). He was the chairman for the Cannes Classical Awards while it existed from 1994 to 2010.

In 2020 Hurwitz launched a YouTube channel on which he regularly posts video reviews and discographical surveys.

Reviews

[James F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book in the "Unlocking the Masters" series. The first three quarters of the book analyzes the seven major operas, and is somewhat interesting. The last quarter is shorter sections on the "Not-so-Great" operas (the author's term) and the sacred works.

The CD is good, with 20 tracks; the highlight is the complete second act finale of Le nozze di Figaro.

[L.C. Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This publication is organized into four sections. 1: Mozart's music identity and style. 2: Chamber Music 3: Orchestral Music 4: Concertos. Page 169 provides strategies for listening to Mozart. As a professional musician with an academic music degree and a heavy background of instrumental music, I really appreciated this publication. I like the details and explanations throughout each section of the chapters. David Hurwitz describes how the musical setting and choice of instruments support the text in each opera. The chapters guide the reader through the seven major operas aria by aria, showing how Mozart uses vocal style and orchestration to create believable and moving characters. After reading this book, I am inspired to revisit Mozart and listen to and play his works on the piano more often. This book is a great reference guide for every music enthusiast.