The Life of Mozart

Dave D.C. Norman is a freelance contemporary-music journalist.

Despite its abruptness, this is an interesting and informative look at
the world’s greatest composer. It should, however, be noted that
Sloate’s interpretation of Stendhal’s work is essentially a
translation of a French biographical text. Therefore one cannot fault
Sloate for the frequent grammatical peculiarities and out-of-place
phrasings.

This text is a historical examination of Mozart and his genius. It
chronicles his life as a mischievous child protégé and through his
formative years to his emergence as a masterful and magical musician. It
also explains how the fruition of his lifelong love eventually took his
life. The reader is deluged by the countless examples of young
Mozart’s brilliance: from the awe-inspiring recitals to his effortless
masterings of foreign instruments.

Mozart’s incredible capabilities are also outlined in Stendhal’s
examination of his educational prowess. Not only could the young
composer speak/sing his works in other tongues, but he also wrote operas
and arias for specific languages and distinct nationalities. In
addition, the text explains Mozart’s narcissistic side and his pursuit
of the carpe diem philosophy. His selfishness is sadly displayed in the
author’s portrayal of Mozart’s wife and children after his death.
Once a family of considerable wealth, Wolfgang’s extravagance left
them little more than his surname and the reputation that followed it.

The Life of Mozart is a quick, yet informative read. The letter and
notes sections at the end of the text are slightly confusing, as there
are no translations provided for the reader to follow. This lapse aside,
the book gives a glimpse of Mozart’s brilliance, flaws, insecurities,
and weaknesses. Eighty pages could never do a great composer justice,
but this text provides a worthy introduction to one of the most
fascinating people in musical history.