What do you think?
Rate this book
Mozart
An ideal introduction to understanding the famous composer. Rich with wit and warmth, this compact biography is thoroughly enchanting.
We think we know the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life. Austrian-born to a tyrannical father who worked him fiercely; unhappily married to a spendthrift woman; a child-like character ill at ease amid the aristocratic splendor of the Viennese court; a musical genius who died young thus depriving the world of future glories.
Yet only that last point is actually true. In this comprehensive biography, John Suchet examines the many myths and misunderstandings surrounding the world's best-loved composer. From his early days as a child prodigy performing for the imperial royal family in Vienna to the last months of his short life, driven to exhaustion by a punitive workload, one thing remained his happy disposition.
Through trials and tribulations, grand successes and disheartening setbacks, Suchet shows us the real Mozart—blessed with an abundance of talent yet sometimes struggling to earn a living. His mischievous nature and earthy sense of humor, his ease and confidence in his own incredible abilities; these were traits that never left him. His music has brought comfort to countless generations; his life, though brief, is no less fascinating.
We think we know the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life. Austrian-born to a tyrannical father who worked him fiercely; unhappily married to a spendthrift woman; a child-like character ill at ease amid the aristocratic splendor of the Viennese court; a musical genius who died young thus depriving the world of future glories.
Yet only that last point is actually true. In this comprehensive biography, John Suchet examines the many myths and misunderstandings surrounding the world's best-loved composer. From his early days as a child prodigy performing for the imperial royal family in Vienna to the last months of his short life, driven to exhaustion by a punitive workload, one thing remained his happy disposition.
Through trials and tribulations, grand successes and disheartening setbacks, Suchet shows us the real Mozart—blessed with an abundance of talent yet sometimes struggling to earn a living. His mischievous nature and earthy sense of humor, his ease and confidence in his own incredible abilities; these were traits that never left him. His music has brought comfort to countless generations; his life, though brief, is no less fascinating.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 8, 2017
75 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
John Suchet
29 books27 followersJohn Suchet presents Classic FM's flagship morning programme. His informative style of presentation, coupled with a deep knowledge of classical music, has won a wide spectrum of new listeners to the station. Before turning to classical music, John was one of the UK's best known television newscasters, regularly presenting ITN's flagship News at Ten, as well as all other bulletins, over a period of nearly 20 years. John has been honoured for both roles. He is the author of several bestselling composer biographies, including Beethoven: The Man Revealed.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 27, 2023
Mozart: The Man Revealed [2016]– ★★★1/2
An enjoyable, but at times also speculative, biography of the great composer.
This curious, beautifully-illustrated book tells of Mozart’s life from childhood to his death at the age of 35. Mozart knew of his musical genius and was comfortable among world royalties and celebrities since he was a child when his father started to show him and his sister off across Europe as part of a tour. The book focuses on Mozart’s difficult relationship with his controlling father, on his romantic relationships, on his professional successes and (even!) failures, and on his behind-the-scenes activities when he worked on such masterworks as The Marriage of Figaro [1786] and Don Giovanni [1787].
The book starts by detailing Mozart’s birth and childhood in Salzburg. His father was a strict and controlling (even tyrannical) person who started to exploit Mozart and his sister’s musical abilities relentlessly early on, touring his children throughout Europe and boasting of his pair of prodigies. This section of the book is a fascinating read as we learn that Mozart was more than just a very gifted child – he was a true genius, composing his first symphony at the age of only eight years old. We then read about Mozart’s growing interest in girls as he was reaching his puberty and his first attempt to separate himself from his father.
The great thing about Suchet’s book is that it sometimes focuses on little-known details from Mozart’s life, including his brief friendship with another young and talented musician Thomas Linley The Younger and his initial failures to reach court positions in Germany. The book then tells of his eventual marriage to Constanze Weber, his unparalleled professional success in Vienna, of the death of his mother, before detailing his own still-controversial death. The remarkable thing is that Mozart briefly met young Ludwig van Beethoven when the latter came to Mozart to show off his talent in Vienna with the possibility of becoming Mozart’s pupil. Mozart was very impressed with Beethoven’s talent of musical improvisation. It is a pity that this was the first and last time the duo met (Beethoven was called to Bonn shortly afterwards) – who knows what would have been the outcome of this partnership.
The weakness of Suchet’s attempt to talk about Mozart and his life is that it is rather anecdotal in nature, sometimes simplifying matters that were ongoing in Mozart’s life at each of its stages. The author has good intentions of demystifying the man that was Mozart, but, in trying to make the narrative fun and enjoyable, he also makes many assumptions, for example, assumptions regarding what this or that turn of phrase in this or that letter might have meant. The outcome is that the account does not present the true versions of these people or their lives, but mere interpretations based on deduction and thin evidence. Moreover, it is very surprising to read that the author, who considers himself a music expert, thinks that The Magic Flute opera was based on “a completely original story” by Emanuel Schikaneder [2016: 241]. It was not an original story by Schikaneder. He took much from Christoph Martin Wieland’s Dschinnistan [1785-1789] collection, which are selected fairy-tales.
🎶 Mozart: The Man Revealed is an insightful book which is a pleasure to read, demonstrating to us that Mozart who was a brilliant eccentric – starting when he was a child without having proper childhood, and finishing, when he became one of the most talented musicians who has ever lived. The downside of the book is that it speculates way too much on the little evidence that it has in its reserve (letters to and from Mozart’s father), providing us with the account which is, at best – anecdotal and, at its worst – quite misleading.
An enjoyable, but at times also speculative, biography of the great composer.
This curious, beautifully-illustrated book tells of Mozart’s life from childhood to his death at the age of 35. Mozart knew of his musical genius and was comfortable among world royalties and celebrities since he was a child when his father started to show him and his sister off across Europe as part of a tour. The book focuses on Mozart’s difficult relationship with his controlling father, on his romantic relationships, on his professional successes and (even!) failures, and on his behind-the-scenes activities when he worked on such masterworks as The Marriage of Figaro [1786] and Don Giovanni [1787].
The book starts by detailing Mozart’s birth and childhood in Salzburg. His father was a strict and controlling (even tyrannical) person who started to exploit Mozart and his sister’s musical abilities relentlessly early on, touring his children throughout Europe and boasting of his pair of prodigies. This section of the book is a fascinating read as we learn that Mozart was more than just a very gifted child – he was a true genius, composing his first symphony at the age of only eight years old. We then read about Mozart’s growing interest in girls as he was reaching his puberty and his first attempt to separate himself from his father.
The great thing about Suchet’s book is that it sometimes focuses on little-known details from Mozart’s life, including his brief friendship with another young and talented musician Thomas Linley The Younger and his initial failures to reach court positions in Germany. The book then tells of his eventual marriage to Constanze Weber, his unparalleled professional success in Vienna, of the death of his mother, before detailing his own still-controversial death. The remarkable thing is that Mozart briefly met young Ludwig van Beethoven when the latter came to Mozart to show off his talent in Vienna with the possibility of becoming Mozart’s pupil. Mozart was very impressed with Beethoven’s talent of musical improvisation. It is a pity that this was the first and last time the duo met (Beethoven was called to Bonn shortly afterwards) – who knows what would have been the outcome of this partnership.
The weakness of Suchet’s attempt to talk about Mozart and his life is that it is rather anecdotal in nature, sometimes simplifying matters that were ongoing in Mozart’s life at each of its stages. The author has good intentions of demystifying the man that was Mozart, but, in trying to make the narrative fun and enjoyable, he also makes many assumptions, for example, assumptions regarding what this or that turn of phrase in this or that letter might have meant. The outcome is that the account does not present the true versions of these people or their lives, but mere interpretations based on deduction and thin evidence. Moreover, it is very surprising to read that the author, who considers himself a music expert, thinks that The Magic Flute opera was based on “a completely original story” by Emanuel Schikaneder [2016: 241]. It was not an original story by Schikaneder. He took much from Christoph Martin Wieland’s Dschinnistan [1785-1789] collection, which are selected fairy-tales.
🎶 Mozart: The Man Revealed is an insightful book which is a pleasure to read, demonstrating to us that Mozart who was a brilliant eccentric – starting when he was a child without having proper childhood, and finishing, when he became one of the most talented musicians who has ever lived. The downside of the book is that it speculates way too much on the little evidence that it has in its reserve (letters to and from Mozart’s father), providing us with the account which is, at best – anecdotal and, at its worst – quite misleading.
August 16, 2023
This book was just outstanding. As a musician this was probably one of the most rewarding biographies I’ve ever read, and I’m excited to check out John’s books on Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
Partnering with the Apple Music Classical App, I played Mozart’s notable compositions (chronologically, by opus number) along the way, often the pieces Suchet was digging into at that bit in the book. And Holy Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Joseph Franz de Paula Graf Colloredo WAS THAT A JOURNEY. Not just reading about, but HEARING the depth of his progression as I went…just incredible stuff. SO much detailed personal information and firsthand correspondence of his, preserved and published, that really brings his character to life.
An unbelievable, exhausting, mischievous, sickly, tragic, beautiful life.
10/10 would recommended the original boy genius.
“Before God and as an honest man I tell you that your son is the greatest composer known to me either in person or by name. He has taste and, what is more, the most profound knowledge of composition.”
~ Franz Joseph Haydn to Leopold Mozart
“Oui, by the love of my skin,
I shit on your nose,
so it runs down your chin.”
~ W.A. Mozart
Partnering with the Apple Music Classical App, I played Mozart’s notable compositions (chronologically, by opus number) along the way, often the pieces Suchet was digging into at that bit in the book. And Holy Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Joseph Franz de Paula Graf Colloredo WAS THAT A JOURNEY. Not just reading about, but HEARING the depth of his progression as I went…just incredible stuff. SO much detailed personal information and firsthand correspondence of his, preserved and published, that really brings his character to life.
An unbelievable, exhausting, mischievous, sickly, tragic, beautiful life.
10/10 would recommended the original boy genius.
“Before God and as an honest man I tell you that your son is the greatest composer known to me either in person or by name. He has taste and, what is more, the most profound knowledge of composition.”
~ Franz Joseph Haydn to Leopold Mozart
“Oui, by the love of my skin,
I shit on your nose,
so it runs down your chin.”
~ W.A. Mozart
July 13, 2020
This is an intimate view of Mozart, as John Suchet goes through Mozart's personal correspondence, and that of his family and close friends.
But it's not monotonous! Suchet engages with the composer at a very personal level, and teases out his life, loves, motivations and disappointments.
Did you know that Wolfgang was one of 7 children, only 2 of whom survived? Or that he and his wife Constanze had 6 children, again only 2 of whom survived?
And yet Suchet portrays Mozart as a happy-go-lucky character, full of fun and mischief. Suchet doesn't balk at revealing some of Mozart's more racy, even vulgar, letters, in a bid to paint a complete portrait of the man.
But above all is Suchet's profound regard for Mozart's music: he describes how composing was 'like breathing,' it flowed so easily for Mozart. At one point, Mozart was visiting Linz, just after the death of his first child, and found himself invited to give a concert, but had brought along no music. So he whipped together a symphony in four days! It is one of his most famous and most sublime, No. 36 K. 425.
On another occasion, he scribbled off a composition for a choir director friend of his. As Suchet puts it: 'Lucky friend, lucky choir, lucky us.'
A great read, and a wonderful insight into the life of one of the greatest composers of all time.
But it's not monotonous! Suchet engages with the composer at a very personal level, and teases out his life, loves, motivations and disappointments.
Did you know that Wolfgang was one of 7 children, only 2 of whom survived? Or that he and his wife Constanze had 6 children, again only 2 of whom survived?
And yet Suchet portrays Mozart as a happy-go-lucky character, full of fun and mischief. Suchet doesn't balk at revealing some of Mozart's more racy, even vulgar, letters, in a bid to paint a complete portrait of the man.
But above all is Suchet's profound regard for Mozart's music: he describes how composing was 'like breathing,' it flowed so easily for Mozart. At one point, Mozart was visiting Linz, just after the death of his first child, and found himself invited to give a concert, but had brought along no music. So he whipped together a symphony in four days! It is one of his most famous and most sublime, No. 36 K. 425.
On another occasion, he scribbled off a composition for a choir director friend of his. As Suchet puts it: 'Lucky friend, lucky choir, lucky us.'
A great read, and a wonderful insight into the life of one of the greatest composers of all time.
April 29, 2021
I always love John Suchet’s books. They’re accessible, well-written and emphatic. I really enjoy the mix of biography/ archival sources and his own speculation. The use of Mozart’s correspondence to tell his life story was illuminating!
January 16, 2021
This book filled in many gaps in my knowledge of Mozart. Prior to reading, most of my knowledge of the man came from the overly dramatic film Amadeus. The film was fun and enjoyable, but being able to read letters written by Mozart himself has no comparison.
November 5, 2023
The story of a man who tries to find permanent employment, decides to freelance, ends up in debt and dies from overworking.
Boringly written, full of information but short on stories.
Boringly written, full of information but short on stories.
November 9, 2016
This is one of those splendid coffee table books that will sit very comfortably just waiting for someone to open it and read its fascinating contents.
I love listening to Classic FM and even though I know which pieces of music I like to listen to, I find that I know very little about the lives of the great composers who wrote the music I love. In these days of quick fix information it's very easy just to search the internet for snippets of information as you need it, but nothing beats the look and feel of a really good biography. Mozart: The Man Revealed by John Suchet is a wonderful glossy biography to immerse yourself in, and as you read on, the here and now disappears, and you are quietly transported back to a wonderful time of musical soirées in the opulent salons of eighteenth century Europe.
The life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, from his birth in in Salzburg in January 1756, through to his untimely demise in Prague, aged just thirty five in 1791, is covered in fine detail. Each of the twenty-three chapters which make up the bulk of the work have delightfully descriptive headings, I think my favourites have to be those titles which head chapter 8 “Ass-Bumping in Venice", and the delightfully quirky heading for chapter 10, "Gnagflow Trazom", which I'll let you work out for yourself! John Suchet writes with such warmth and wit about this great composer but isn't afraid to show the man behind the genius, warts and all, which comes across when describing Mozart's rather salacious communication with his nineteen year old cousin, Maria Anna Mozart. I loved the way the biography flowed beautifully and was gilded with an assortment of delightful illustrations and documents which highlight Mozart’s complex and fascinating life.
There is no doubt that Mozart's musical genius continues to enhance our modern world. Whilst reading this lovely book I listened to his Salzburg Symphonies which are simply delightful and which compliment this lovely book to perfection.
I love listening to Classic FM and even though I know which pieces of music I like to listen to, I find that I know very little about the lives of the great composers who wrote the music I love. In these days of quick fix information it's very easy just to search the internet for snippets of information as you need it, but nothing beats the look and feel of a really good biography. Mozart: The Man Revealed by John Suchet is a wonderful glossy biography to immerse yourself in, and as you read on, the here and now disappears, and you are quietly transported back to a wonderful time of musical soirées in the opulent salons of eighteenth century Europe.
The life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, from his birth in in Salzburg in January 1756, through to his untimely demise in Prague, aged just thirty five in 1791, is covered in fine detail. Each of the twenty-three chapters which make up the bulk of the work have delightfully descriptive headings, I think my favourites have to be those titles which head chapter 8 “Ass-Bumping in Venice", and the delightfully quirky heading for chapter 10, "Gnagflow Trazom", which I'll let you work out for yourself! John Suchet writes with such warmth and wit about this great composer but isn't afraid to show the man behind the genius, warts and all, which comes across when describing Mozart's rather salacious communication with his nineteen year old cousin, Maria Anna Mozart. I loved the way the biography flowed beautifully and was gilded with an assortment of delightful illustrations and documents which highlight Mozart’s complex and fascinating life.
There is no doubt that Mozart's musical genius continues to enhance our modern world. Whilst reading this lovely book I listened to his Salzburg Symphonies which are simply delightful and which compliment this lovely book to perfection.
August 26, 2018
I would not be surprised to find out that either John Suchet is 250 years old or he has a time machine, as I felt as if he knew Mozart personally whilst reading his completely spellbinding book entitled Mozart: The Man Revealed.
As a regular listener to Classic FM, I look forward to Mozart Mondays as nothing is better at setting you up for the week ahead than the jollity of Mozart's compositions. I always find myself humming or whistling along without even realising it, completely unaware of the stories that lie behind the child prodigy and his famous works.
I have previously read and enjoyed John Suchet's fantastic book on Johann Strauss, but this book goes one step further as we really get to know the young composer through his own words by examining letters that he and his father wrote home whilst on tour. The young Mozart is every bit the precocious child we imagine but he also had the most amazing sense of humour, often without a filter which would place him on the autistic spectrum today.
As well as Mozart's sense of humour, John Suchet's fabulous sense of humour comes through in his writing. I won't spoil the whole book but there is a particular painting of Mozart and his sister, Nannerl, who has the most gigantic hair, that makes me chuckle just thinking about it. Mozart's humour is definitely what we could call 'toilet humour' as he is very rude and just doesn't care less. Listening to his work after reading this book seems to add a new dimension, as I feel as if I can now effortlessly tap into the feelings that are woven into each exceptional piece of music.
An absolute must-read for any classical music fan, where you can really get to know the man behind the music in Mozart: The Man Revealed. It is so authentic and fascinating that it could easily be called Mozart: In His Own Words. Think you know Mozart? Think again!
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
As a regular listener to Classic FM, I look forward to Mozart Mondays as nothing is better at setting you up for the week ahead than the jollity of Mozart's compositions. I always find myself humming or whistling along without even realising it, completely unaware of the stories that lie behind the child prodigy and his famous works.
I have previously read and enjoyed John Suchet's fantastic book on Johann Strauss, but this book goes one step further as we really get to know the young composer through his own words by examining letters that he and his father wrote home whilst on tour. The young Mozart is every bit the precocious child we imagine but he also had the most amazing sense of humour, often without a filter which would place him on the autistic spectrum today.
As well as Mozart's sense of humour, John Suchet's fabulous sense of humour comes through in his writing. I won't spoil the whole book but there is a particular painting of Mozart and his sister, Nannerl, who has the most gigantic hair, that makes me chuckle just thinking about it. Mozart's humour is definitely what we could call 'toilet humour' as he is very rude and just doesn't care less. Listening to his work after reading this book seems to add a new dimension, as I feel as if I can now effortlessly tap into the feelings that are woven into each exceptional piece of music.
An absolute must-read for any classical music fan, where you can really get to know the man behind the music in Mozart: The Man Revealed. It is so authentic and fascinating that it could easily be called Mozart: In His Own Words. Think you know Mozart? Think again!
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 8, 2019
John Suchet has once again written a marvellous book. I had not been before acquainted with any aspect of Mozart's life and this book is a perfect introduction. Suchet revealed all the complexities of Mozart's life and the man it ultimately made him. As with Beethoven all the flaws and foibles rise to the surface which makes the man more earthy, more human, that much more compelling to read and attempt to understand. Although, this apparently would not stand with the Mozart purists, then again it is a reminder that no matter how gifted a person is no one is ever worthy of purism. At the same time it can be said that because of his rather unique childhood the man was denied the ability to fully emotionally mature. It could be said that the apparent lack of concern for his sister's health at a rather critical time shows him to be bereft of empathy towards those that suffered, i.e. his mother in her final illness and his wife in the face of supposed infidelities during his absences. It would be easy to blame his father for this seemingly indifference to others sicknesses and refusal to go along with Mozart's carefree and careless attitudes to convention. On the other hand Leopold's driven behaviour of his children's talents is not alien to many 20th and 21st century parents' attitudes to their child or children during competitive sports. Though having said that it doesn't in any way let Leopold off the hook for his insatiable drive to make money from his children's musical abilities. In all honesty if it had not been for Leopold's excessive and heavy handed manner Mozart may have just been a small musician of no consequence in Salzburg and the world would have been bereft of Mozart's genius. While it ultimately cost Mozart his life to a certain extent at a young age we have been gifted with the beauty and genius of his body of music for eternity.
October 5, 2020
Phenomenal! Just what I was looking for! I had a belief, in trying to acquire more of a taste for Classical Music, that if perhaps I might be able to understand the people better, then perhaps I could understand their pieces and the genre better. I am still uncertain that this is specifically true, but by activity alone sometimes one can bump into unlooked for, but essential information. This is the case with this book. It takes the form of a journey, from childhood through adulthood, with small tangents to interweave minor characters, places, and events into the story, to give us a snapshot of what the life of Mozart seemed to be like. I felt while reading this that the author was very sympathetic to all parties involved, notably even those historically seen to be villains, and when the author decided to engage in speculation, he is careful to note this, qualify the belief, and suggest at how the reader could backtrack to look over the same material.
June 4, 2020
A decently written introduction to Mozart, but definitely one for those completely new to the topic. It's a quick read, with a focus on Mozart's personal life and almost no analysis of his music. Most music biographies get bogged down in music theory; this book goes in the opposite direction and barely mentions the music, so make sure to read it along with a companion to his music. Finally, the book's subtitle is "The Man Revealed," but I don't think the book lives up to that. It's probably impossible to penetrate into the inner thoughts of a man of Mozart's caliber; at any rate, this book certainly doesn't do that, and doesn't even really try. At best, it's a workable introduction to the basics of his life.
May 26, 2021
This book takes us through the life of one of the best classical composers/musicians.... well, ever.
In only 35 years, Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart completely changed music all together. Not only was he technically a musical virtuoso, but creatively - he was a master. This book takes us through his entire life, even a bit before as John Suchet gives us a little bit of background on his parents to begin with. Once Mozart is born, it only takes 4 years for his dad to realize that the kid is not only talented, he is beyond normal. He is an extraordinary musician. Suchet takes us through the young Mozart's days of traveling Europe, all the way through his teenage years where he begins to take hold of his own life, and his eventually sad end.
I really like how Suchet was able to make the book an easygoing and fun read. It didn't feel tedious or boring at all. Instead, its like he is talking to us about Mozart, and giving us all the facts in an almost conversational way. This makes the legend of Mozart not only more accessible, but relatable as well. I will admit however, there were times where Suchet gives his personal comments or suppositions about what is going on in the book, and I didn't really like those moments. I would prefer just the facts and not so much the commentary, if I'm being honest.
However, the book itself is really a delight to read and I learned a lot about one of my favorite composers. Mozart led a very interesting and sad life (at times), and it's interesting to see the dynamic between absolute musical genius, and flawed human. If you are a fan of Mozart and want a really good overview of his life, I highly recommend this book.
In only 35 years, Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart completely changed music all together. Not only was he technically a musical virtuoso, but creatively - he was a master. This book takes us through his entire life, even a bit before as John Suchet gives us a little bit of background on his parents to begin with. Once Mozart is born, it only takes 4 years for his dad to realize that the kid is not only talented, he is beyond normal. He is an extraordinary musician. Suchet takes us through the young Mozart's days of traveling Europe, all the way through his teenage years where he begins to take hold of his own life, and his eventually sad end.
I really like how Suchet was able to make the book an easygoing and fun read. It didn't feel tedious or boring at all. Instead, its like he is talking to us about Mozart, and giving us all the facts in an almost conversational way. This makes the legend of Mozart not only more accessible, but relatable as well. I will admit however, there were times where Suchet gives his personal comments or suppositions about what is going on in the book, and I didn't really like those moments. I would prefer just the facts and not so much the commentary, if I'm being honest.
However, the book itself is really a delight to read and I learned a lot about one of my favorite composers. Mozart led a very interesting and sad life (at times), and it's interesting to see the dynamic between absolute musical genius, and flawed human. If you are a fan of Mozart and want a really good overview of his life, I highly recommend this book.
September 9, 2020
Mozart’s genius is revealed in great detail in this outstanding biography by British journalist and author John Suchet. The glossy pages are filled with plenty of photographs, paintings, and Mozart’s portraits, compositions, and letters.
This reads like a fascinating picture book that depicts Mozart’s prodigious career as he travelled Europe and performed for various royalty. It's easy to forget that this child superstar toured as a preschooler to establish his fame. Mr Suchet is an engaging storyteller as he weaves historical facts and records with Mozart’s family letters.
We learn about Wolfgang’s first love, troubled marriage, money problems, tireless workload, meeting young Beethoven, alleged affairs, and his body of work. He died at 35, had a third-class funeral, then placed in an unmarked grave. Neither of his two sons inherited his musical genius nor married. Mozart’s bloodline died, but his musical legacy lives on 228 years after his death.
History and biography should be written like this, with such fun and fondness, to enliven the past and help us appreciate the feats that gave us our future.
@IvyDigest
https://www.instagram.com/p/BthPhCqhW...
This reads like a fascinating picture book that depicts Mozart’s prodigious career as he travelled Europe and performed for various royalty. It's easy to forget that this child superstar toured as a preschooler to establish his fame. Mr Suchet is an engaging storyteller as he weaves historical facts and records with Mozart’s family letters.
We learn about Wolfgang’s first love, troubled marriage, money problems, tireless workload, meeting young Beethoven, alleged affairs, and his body of work. He died at 35, had a third-class funeral, then placed in an unmarked grave. Neither of his two sons inherited his musical genius nor married. Mozart’s bloodline died, but his musical legacy lives on 228 years after his death.
History and biography should be written like this, with such fun and fondness, to enliven the past and help us appreciate the feats that gave us our future.
@IvyDigest
https://www.instagram.com/p/BthPhCqhW...
December 11, 2022
This is an excellent biographic introduction to Mozart. The style of writing by John Suchet is almost conversational with plenty of opinions giving which is great because Suchet clearly defines what is his opinion and what is established as fact.
The book is adorned with interesting photos and pictures that really flesh out the book and make it easier to visualize 18th Century Vienna. One could criticize it for being a coffee book but that would be misguided as the book is detailed enough to get a really good idea of the life of Mozart.
It took me slightly longer than usual to read the book given its relatively short length as I often would stop reading and listen to the music which Suchet refers to in the biography. There is an accompanying CD with the book but that is really not necessary when all the music is available on YouTube.
I liked this book so much that I went and bought Suchet book on Beethoven, which follows the same style of writing with accompanying pictures. Experts in Mozart may find this a basic biography but for novices on Mozart or for people who would like to get to know Mozart better, this is perfect.
Put it this way the book, for me, reached the same heights as the film Amadeus in terms of entertainment and history.
The book is adorned with interesting photos and pictures that really flesh out the book and make it easier to visualize 18th Century Vienna. One could criticize it for being a coffee book but that would be misguided as the book is detailed enough to get a really good idea of the life of Mozart.
It took me slightly longer than usual to read the book given its relatively short length as I often would stop reading and listen to the music which Suchet refers to in the biography. There is an accompanying CD with the book but that is really not necessary when all the music is available on YouTube.
I liked this book so much that I went and bought Suchet book on Beethoven, which follows the same style of writing with accompanying pictures. Experts in Mozart may find this a basic biography but for novices on Mozart or for people who would like to get to know Mozart better, this is perfect.
Put it this way the book, for me, reached the same heights as the film Amadeus in terms of entertainment and history.
July 19, 2020
This is the first time I have taken the opportunity to learn about the amazing works and life of Mozart, including family relationships, friendships and romantic relationships, his successes,
health, financial hardships and the devastating illness that eventually lead to his death. The Mozart family correspondence , some twelve hundred letters written between 1756 and 1791, is more extensive than that of any earlier composer. As such it offers a unique insight into the family dynamics, the moving death of his mother in Paris in 1778, his compositional method and the events of his everyday life. When he was commissioned to write operas, he was also usually involved in giving concerts in the evenings, conducting his own concertos at the piano, and teaching piano lessons during the day. In the weeks before his death he was working on three compositions, the last of which was the `Requiem` which he was unable to complete before his untimely death. I think this book sheds light on his wonderful talent as a composer and I understand why his wife Constanze said that Mozart needed to compose as much as he needed the very air to breathe. I highly recommend this biography.
health, financial hardships and the devastating illness that eventually lead to his death. The Mozart family correspondence , some twelve hundred letters written between 1756 and 1791, is more extensive than that of any earlier composer. As such it offers a unique insight into the family dynamics, the moving death of his mother in Paris in 1778, his compositional method and the events of his everyday life. When he was commissioned to write operas, he was also usually involved in giving concerts in the evenings, conducting his own concertos at the piano, and teaching piano lessons during the day. In the weeks before his death he was working on three compositions, the last of which was the `Requiem` which he was unable to complete before his untimely death. I think this book sheds light on his wonderful talent as a composer and I understand why his wife Constanze said that Mozart needed to compose as much as he needed the very air to breathe. I highly recommend this biography.
July 4, 2022
Very disappointing. This book has lots of good reviews and for the life of me I cannot see why. It is poorly written, in a very irritating tone; it desperately needed a good editor to remove all the silly asides and tighten up the chatty style. And the content reads a bit like a travelogue, with very little attempt to explain and understand the man's music, which was for me the biggest omission. Is Mozart the man revealed in this biography? Maybe, but the low-brow style makes me wonder just how authoritative it really is. And why no mention of the role of Salieri in the story? Or is he just part of the Mozart mythology? If so, Suchet should have addressed it in order to dismiss it, but he doesn't.
I think if I ever read another biography of Mozart I will look for something with more academic credibility.
I think if I ever read another biography of Mozart I will look for something with more academic credibility.
July 10, 2022
This is a concise, intimate introduction to Mozart. Suchet boils the narrative down to the basic elements that he sees as essential to understanding Mozart as a person such as his father's involvement in building Wolfgang's musical fame and career, Wolfgang's branching out on his own from his father's umbrella, and Wolfgang's personal and love life. It's odd to see such a lack of maturity in one known to be among the greatest composers in history, but it's not surprising as his father raised him essentially in isolation, shielding him from the mundane responsibilities of finances, the mechanics of traveling, and it seems even from learning to socialize and get along with others. In his writing, Suchet demonstrates a commendable understanding of the musical aspect, linguistic and cultural nuances, and human nature.
July 1, 2019
This can only be described as a fascinating insight into the life of Mozart. It punctures the poetry that surrounds his life. No longer is he a starving misunderstood artist condemned to a pauper's grave, the image that replaces him is no less striking but much more credible, prosaic even. The cautionary tale about the misunderstood genius instead becomes a story about the dangers of contracting vs. salaried work. Mozart did very, very well, right up until the end. He made a series of bad decisions on financial commitments and then his income dried up after the onset of war, people had less cash to splash around. Had he been salaried, he would have weathered the storm more than likely.
June 21, 2019
Rated PG-13 for language (mostly W.A. Mozart's own profanity, effectively translated into English)
This is a fascinating look at Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life, full of energy and in-depth looks at the men and women surrounding Wolfgang as he grew up. My favorite parts were admittedly the parts describing his relationship with his father Leopold -- in fact, a good part of the book was as much a biography of Leopold as Wolfgang, and was all the better for it. Highly recommended.
This is a fascinating look at Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life, full of energy and in-depth looks at the men and women surrounding Wolfgang as he grew up. My favorite parts were admittedly the parts describing his relationship with his father Leopold -- in fact, a good part of the book was as much a biography of Leopold as Wolfgang, and was all the better for it. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2019
What a life
A must read for biography lovers About one of the worlds greatest geniuses. John Suchet corrects a lot of the myths about Mozart but in a positive way There’s intelligent comment on his music but it’s never dry. The real person behind his genius is cleverly described as are the women in his life. This riveting and colourful and odorous tale makes hearing his music an added joy.
A must read for biography lovers About one of the worlds greatest geniuses. John Suchet corrects a lot of the myths about Mozart but in a positive way There’s intelligent comment on his music but it’s never dry. The real person behind his genius is cleverly described as are the women in his life. This riveting and colourful and odorous tale makes hearing his music an added joy.
July 24, 2018
Worth reading.
An interesting book if you have wanted to know more about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He’s an intriguing genius. Some of the legends turn out to be true, and some not. I did wonder why there was more about the cause of his death from a modern perspective, since there is a lot of information in his other illnesses.
An interesting book if you have wanted to know more about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He’s an intriguing genius. Some of the legends turn out to be true, and some not. I did wonder why there was more about the cause of his death from a modern perspective, since there is a lot of information in his other illnesses.
December 8, 2019
Fantastic, fascinating and illuminating. I love Mozart's music and have done since introduced to it as a child through the film Amadeus which although a wonderful film it is largely a work of fiction, but here in this beautifully written biography is the real story which is just as interesting. Read it!
August 15, 2020
As insightful as an Alan Partridge interview, and the most inept biography I've ever read.
This book revealed absolutely nothing about what makes a genius tick. It contained a few hoary old anecdotes, a few extracts from letters (Shock, horror: Mozart had a dirty sense of humour!), and masses of unsupported suppositions. Ideal for Classic FM listeners, appalling for pretty much anyone else.
This book revealed absolutely nothing about what makes a genius tick. It contained a few hoary old anecdotes, a few extracts from letters (Shock, horror: Mozart had a dirty sense of humour!), and masses of unsupported suppositions. Ideal for Classic FM listeners, appalling for pretty much anyone else.
January 6, 2022
An excellent accessible biography.
Having listened to Mozart's music all of my life,
it was helpful to read this biography as a background to the music. Mozart's genius is beyond dispute, but he was very human too.
Having listened to Mozart's music all of my life,
it was helpful to read this biography as a background to the music. Mozart's genius is beyond dispute, but he was very human too.
January 21, 2022
I have read lots of biographies on Mozart and this one really resonated with me. It made Mozart more approachable and human and the author helps us understand Mozarts state of mind, events in mozarts life, and why he might have did things that he did. Thoroughly enjoyable.
April 22, 2025
A very readable and educational biography that gives a more accurate depiction of Mozart’s life than the pervading mythos from the Amadeus play and film. I highly recommend this book for anyone sick of dull Netflix docs and YouTube power points. Or anyone at all really. Great book!
June 2, 2018
Great Book
June 25, 2018
Well written interesting read.
September 9, 2018
Found myself less interested in the final 100 pages of the book.
December 31, 2018
A wonderful book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews