August 1, 2014
Johnson (Socrates) here delivers a concise biography of classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91). Johnson strives to debunk legends that surround the artist's life and to give listeners a new appreciation of his musical achievements. The author analyzes and dispatches as falsehoods popular misconceptions about Mozart's health, his relationship with his father, his indebtedness, and the portrayal of his wife, Constanze, as a spendthrift shrew, but the focus of the biography is the man's music. Mozart's naturally cheerful disposition and knowledge of instruments and musicians informed his composing. Mozart understood how to use musical instruments and musicians to their maximum ability. He also mastered the tricks, jokes, and artifice of music and composed witty satirical pieces. Johnson helps the reader appreciate the depth of the genius of Mozart. There are a few points where some background knowledge of music would be helpful. Narrator Robert Ian Mackenzie delivers a well-paced performance. VERDICT Music lovers will appreciate this succinct biography.--Cynthia Jensen, Gladys Harrington Lib., Plano, TX
Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 30, 2013
Historian Johnson (A History of the American People) has taken to writing succinct biographies of world-renowned figures like Darwin and Churchill that usually clock in under 200 pages, and this newest work, is no exception. Johnson packs a great deal of information into these pages in this chronological narrative, and his grasp of Mozart’s musical output is astounding, his descriptions of Mozart’s works comprehensive and enlightening. Johnson nicely gets into Mozart’s character (“Mozart had just enough experience with opera for it to remain fun, without disgusting him”), and he challenges preconceived notions about Mozart’s financial situation, marriage and, in an epilogue, the events surrounding his death. Overall, this is a solid, and often fresh, introduction to the life and work of the composer.