Mozart

A Life

By: Paul Johnson

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Liszt once said that Mozart composed more bars than a trained copyist could write in a lifetime. Mozart's gift and skill with instruments was also remarkable as he mastered all of them except the harp. For example, no sooner had the clarinet been invented and introduced than Mozart began playing and composing for it. In addition to his many insights into Mozart's music, Johnson also challenges the many myths that have followed Mozart, including those about the composer's health, wealth, religion, and relationships. Always engaging, Johnson offers listeners and music lovers a superb examination of Mozart and his glorious music, which is still performed every day in concert halls and opera houses around the world.

©2013 Paul Johnson (P)2013 Recorded Books

For a book about Mozart, not much Mozart.

Would you try another book from Paul Johnson and/or Robert Ian Mackenzie?

Maybe.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

This book focused much more on the value of Mozart's work to musicology than on the composer himself. I would have liked to read a few more details about Mozart and his family and fewer notes on baroque bassoon construction. It was still an reasonably interesting read, but not really what I was looking for in a book titled Mozart: A Life.

Stunningly well researched, approachable Mozart

Would you consider the audio edition of Mozart to be better than the print version?

Audio was clear and well researched

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The description of the complicated and close relationship of Mozart and
his father. Mozart was loved by fellow musicians light hearted.

Lively Telling of Mozart’s Story

If you’re already familiar with Mozart’s life, this is a great complement to other sources. If this is your first foray, it’s a great introduction. The copious amount of information makes it seem like a longer biography. The analysis of Mozart’s operas is excellent and has prompted me to delve deeper into that aspect of my favorite composer’s body of work.

The amazing details

I will listen or read anything that Paul Johnson writes, because he does extensive research and makes the narrative so interesting