Will we ever know the real Mozart? These fascinating books explore the great composer\u2019s life and bring new insights into his world, inspirations and works, from his unconventional childhood to his untimely and mysterious death at the age of 35.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

10 of the best books about Beethoven<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
Twelve of the best books featuring classical music<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
5 of the best fictional composers<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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Best books about Mozart<\/h2>\n
Mozart in Motion \u2013 His Work and His World in Pieces<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Reviewed\u00a0by Jessica Duchen<\/a><\/strong><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
Like Laura Tunbridge\u2019s book Beethoven \u2013 A Life in Nine Pieces<\/i><\/a><\/strong>, Patrick Mackie\u2019s exploration of Mozart and his world takes a particular piece as the focal point for each chapter, from Don Giovanni<\/i> <\/a><\/strong>down to the piano sonatas. Some sections flare into flame particularly well: Mackie is at his best when exploring the Enlightenment, its philosophers and other facets of Mozart\u2019s cultural hinterland. <\/span><\/p>\n
For instance, he brings to vivid life the decadence of 18th-century Paris as it slides towards the Revolution, and offers an intriguing explanation for the Piano Concerto K271\u2019s mid-finale minuet: a connection with Victoire Jenamy\u2019s father, the choreographer Noverre. <\/span><\/p>\n
Nevertheless, this book is as much about literary virtuosity as anything else (fair enough, since Mackie is a poet, not a musician) and sometimes the text\u2019s verbosity tends to obscure its philosophical arguments regarding the music. Marmite-fond readers may relish the chance to muse on the nature of Mozart\u2019s genius and of creativity itself in tracts that spangle occasionally nebulous concepts with verbal bedazzlement. Others might reflect that the composer would have been too busy working to think in such terms, and that he used never a note too many.<\/span><\/p>\n
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