1791: Mozarts Last Year
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1791: Mozarts Last Year
by Authors:
H. C. Robbins Landon
Released: 01 May, 1999
ISBN: 0500281076
Paperback
Sales Rank: 83,721
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List price:
$17.95
Our price:
$12.21
(You save: $5.74)
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| Book > 1791: Mozarts Last Year > Customer Reviews: |
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Average Customer Rating: 
1791: Mozarts Last Year >
Customer Review #1:
Demonstrates considerable knowledge and research
1791, Mozarts Last Year is a fairly short (199 pages plus appendices, notes, and index) book about the last year of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the famous composer. Among the things discussed are the possibility of Mozarts receiving a good paying position in the Vienna cathedral, his involvement with the Masons, and the circumstances surrounding the composition of La Clemenza di Tito, Die Zauberfloete (The Magic Flute), and the Requiem. Chapters also provide more general background about life in Vienna at the time. One chapter is devoted to the facts about Mozarts last illness, and other explores various myths and theories about it. A final chapter refutes some criticisms of Mozarts wife Constanze. The book is very well written, and appears to be the product of considerable knowledge and research. Included are some photographs and illustrations.
1791: Mozarts Last Year >
Customer Review #2:
Well written and informative plus a lot of extra details
This is a well-researched book by Robbins Landon not only giving a detailed glimpse of Mozart in 1791 but also the ongoing intrigues associated with life in late 18th century Vienna. Discussed in detail are the three main compositions that he completed during this final year: those being, The Magic Flute, La Clemenza di Tito and his Requiem. There is an interesting section on Mozarts death and the myths and suspicions associated with his final illness. The last chapter is devoted to Constanze and her struggles to survive after Mozarts death.
The book has extensive reference notes, a detailed bibliography and an index that list people who were part of Mozarts life during this period. Also included are some interesting sketches of Mozarts apartment and an area map of Vienna where he and Constanze live in during his last year.What I personally found of interest, resulted from the extra measures that Robbins Landon goes to give added details on some topics (in particular the 3 works mentioned above). Insights as to the sequencing of construction, participation of other people and outside distractions that influenced Mozarts ability to work on and complete these projects. For example: the fact that 5 different types of sheet paper were used by Mozart during the writing of "La Clemenza di Tito" gives clues not only as to the actual chronological order that some of the scenes were composed, but also an idea as to the geographic locales where different parts this opera was conceived. i.e. Prague or Vienna It seems hard to believe that retrieving accurate material on Mozarts life and music would be difficult, given his fame. Youd just assume that every note (musical or otherwise) that he wrote would have been recorded for the sake of posterity: sadly, such is not the case. Although Mozart was regarded as a brilliant musician during his time he was only recognized for his true genius, posthumously. So, although a lot of the musical scores, letters, writings and conversation have survived, many were lost or went missing over the past 200 years. What a pity! Well written and informative. This is certainly a book of special interest, but one that goes beyond the superficial discussions of Mozarts life. Recommended!
1791: Mozarts Last Year >
Customer Review #3:
Bravo!
After reading "Mozarts Letters, Mozarts Life" by Robert Spaethling, this book was a nice transition. Both books are worth buying and reading. Mr. Robbins presented "Mozarts Last Year" logically and held my interest to the end. The references to Haydn and his relationship with Mozart gave me some really new insight into how the two interacted and regarded the other. The research that was involved in this book lends credit to the contents, which were presented in a common sense way. Mr. Robbins has written a book that, I feel, is a "must read" for anyone interested to learn about Mozarts life and circumstance. A lot of rumors were put to rest. I learned a lot I did not know. I learned a lot about people who touched Mozarts life. I like the fact that he gave Constanze the respect she deserves as one who saved Mozarts works for us to enjoy! Great Job!
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1791: Mozarts Last Year >
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