Customer Reviews

Mozart's Requiem: Historical and Analytical Studies, Documents, Score

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Nothing is left for one to imagine after this reading. The mystery and circumstances of Mozart's great work is described in incredible detail in this book. It is really not an attempt by the author to prove or disprove theory and speculation about the compostion, but rather, to offer the reader the combined evidence accumulated throughout the years. These facts are then substaniated by quoting the source documents from books and essays that were written about the Requiem after Mozart's death. The author also includes letters as written by the key players as the Requiem controversy unfolded. I also very much appreciate the pictures of the original Mozart score and the printed score made available at the end of the book.

I must say that I am not learned in music, and I often found the book to be of difficult reading when musical terminology is used--and it is used quite often. Besides discussing the controversy, the author attempts to define Mozart's purpose and eventual composition of each movement. While fascinating to say the least, the use of musical terms can be overwhelming at times.

In all, I found this to be an exceptional book and I recommend it to anyone who loves the work of Mozart and especially that of his "Requiem."

David Pecnik

This book, by renown Bach and Mozart scholar and Harvard professor, Christoph Wolff is a must have for musicologists who specialize in music of the 18th century. Wolff discusses the several attempts to complete the work after Mozart's death, and portrays Constanze Mozart as a competent musician and entrepreneur who is concerned with the welfare of her children and care for her husband's legacy. Detailed analysis of each movement with the scholarly care one would expect from this august author.

I found the Christoph Wolff book on Mozart's Requiem excellent. It is very thorough and informative. This book is a must have in the library of anyone wishing to perform the Mozart Requiem.