A Mozart Diary: A Chronological Reconstruction of the Composer's Life, 1761-1791 (Music Reference Collection) [Hardcover]

Peter Dimond (Compiler)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 1997 | Series: Music Reference Collection (Book 58)

An account of the composer's day-to-day life as evidenced in various kinds of biographical sources, this work reveals the astonishing succession of meetings with the glitterati of Europe and the awe-inspiring effect Mozart had on other composers--and their envious responses. It also places him at home with his wife and family, battling against heart-rending financial failure while his operas were being performed across Europe. Musically, the work situates Mozart's compositions in their chronological context. This fascinating account will be of interest to scholars, students, and Mozart enthusiasts. By examining a variety of biographical sources, Dimond is able to reconstruct a fairly full account of Mozart's professional, domestic, and social life on a daily basis. The composer's letters, written while away from his family and friends, are especially helpful. Assumptions can be made from reading this daily account that, in his later career, Mozart deliberately set out to compose masterworks in each music genre. The famous dedication of six string quartets to Haydn, couched in a style quite unlike anything else that Mozart appears to have written, supports this contention.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

PETER DIMOND, educated in both the Classics and music, is a freelance writer, an arts instructor for the British Open University, and a music examiner for Trinity College London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (March 30, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031330131X
• ISBN-13: 978-0313301315
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,616,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars More errors than consistent data!, September 28, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Ljubljana, Slovenia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Mozart Diary: A Chronological Reconstruction of the Composer's Life, 1761-1791 (Music Reference Collection) (Hardcover)

There are errors appearing in this book from page 23 on (Va del furor portata instead of Va dal furor portata). Index of persons is very weak and inaccurate. I really wonder who did the recensy of this book? (Shame...)

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars re-publish a 'lost' inspiration, March 1, 2004

By 

Terry Byrne (Sheffield) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Mozart Diary: A Chronological Reconstruction of the Composer's Life, 1761-1791 (Music Reference Collection) (Hardcover)

Apologies first! Although I have not yet read Dimond's latest work I really would like to express my appreciation for his "Music made simple", now regrettably out of print. This book was an absolute inspiration to me when I first read it a while back. In it Dimond's excitement, thorough knowledge and -dare I say it - 'passion' for the composers he discusses is all too obvious. The book was evidently a labour of love and was a joy to read. Read it and be glued, avidly, to each page. Additionally, it includes concisely explained passages on music theory. With this book in your hands you will sail through G.C.S.E music. But just read it as a beautifully written book primarily on the lives and music of the great composers from the past. I wish I had Dimond's email to thank him myself!