Mozart's Letters

by Michael Rose

The 1200 or so letters of Mozart and his family form the most fascinating correspondence by any artist of the eighteenth century or earlier, and Mozart himself ranks high among letter writers of any age or occupation. A vivd and amzingly detailed picture emerges of Mozart's career as performer, teacher and composer, as well as a lively account of contemporary musical politics in the courts and opera houses of Europe. The inclusion of letters from his father, a dominant but loving parent determined to supervise his son's career evern after he had grown up, highlights the problems which Mozart encountered in breaking with his provincial background, as well as providing a glimpse of the social and domestic details that tell us so much about the kind of person Mozart was and how he lived. The correspondence ends with the pathetic begging letters of his last years and the touching, adoring yet protective letters to his wife. This edition is being published in May 2006 to coincide with the 250th anniversay of Mozart's birth. The selection has been made from the classic translation by Emily Anderson.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2006

About the author

Michael Rose was raised on a small family dairy farm in Upstate New York. He retired after serving in executive positions for several global multinational enterprises. He has been a non-executive director for three public companies headquartered in the US. He lives and writes in San Francisco.

Reviews

[Maan Kawas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that tell a lot about the life, character, events, and sayings of the genius Mozart, the human as well as the composer! Moreover, the book reveals the close relationship between Mozart and his father Leopold, Leopold’s impact on Mozart’s life and decisions, and Leopold’s reluctance to Mozart’s marriage to Constanze and the consequences of his delayed approval on both lovers/couple. On the other hand, it shows great deal of respect and love Mozart had to his father and his family. One point I did not know about Mozart was his love of God, fear of His wrath, feel of His omnipotence, and believe in His mercy towards His creature; moreover, his reluctance to pursue unacceptable relationships with women for fear of God’s wrath. One of the most touching passages in the book was Mozart’s letter to his father consoling him for the death of his wife (Mozart’s Mother), emphasizing the importance of accepting God’s will. Furthermore, it is sad to learn how such a great man was always in need of money, which sometimes drove him to send letters to his friends begging for money. I loved Mozart’s deep and consistent love and devotion to his “little” wife Constanze, and his willingness to hear in details about and always from her. On the other hand, I felt bad about the Archbishop’s maltreatment and humiliation of Mozart, but I admired his care for his own honor, reputation, and indignity. One thing I also loved about the book is the information (though not detailed) about his works, and the information regarding Mozart’s fascination in opera and writing operas. Finally, this book is one of the book that leave a great impacts on one’s heart.

[Lídia Raposo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma leitura riquíssima para quem quer conhecer, não só as peripécias da carreira daquele que foi, na minha opinião, o maior dos compositores, mas também o homem afetuoso que aparece sobretudo nas cartas à mulher.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utter delight.