(Unlocking the Masters). Mozart was the first composer whose operas have never left the international repertoire, and for many he remains one of the finest vocal composers who ever lived. In a sense, all of his music is vocal music, depending as it does on arresting, singable melodies, but in his great operas, single arias and sacred works, Mozart put his melodic gift to work, revealing the subtleties and expressive potential of a wide range of texts in languages ranging from Italian to Latin to German. In every case, he created masterpieces, from operas such as The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni , and The Magic Flute to the sacred choral motet Ave Verum Corpus and, of course, the unfinished Requiem , his final project. This second Getting the Most Out of Mozart volume in our Unlocking the Masters series focuses on Mozart's great operas and other vocal works, but also discusses numerous lesser-known compositions, from operas he wrote as a child to "insertion arias" for favorite singers or operas by other composers. In each case, David Hurwitz describes how the musical setting and choice of instruments supports the text. He takes readers through the seven major operas aria by aria, showing how Mozart uses vocal style and orchestration to create believable and moving characters that remain the standard for characterization in music to which all composers and dramatists aspire. The accompanying CD from Telarc Records includes 14 works.

This new book/CD set examines Mozart's work and his lasting impact with a guided tour of seven pieces. Includes explanations of the various ensembles, historical information on each work's composition, and an analysis about what makes each piece truly "noteworthy."

Described in Germany as the 'most thought-provoking' book of the bicentennial year, Georg Knepler's acclaimed study of Mozart is now available in paperback. The book explores Mozart's life and works from many new perspectives, providing fresh insights into his music and the tempestuous times through which he lived. Based on a close reading of the family correspondence and a careful consideration of Mozart's entire musical output, the book sheds new light on the composer's creative psyche, his political leanings, his relation to the thoughts and currents of the Enlightenment, and the underlying basis of his musical expression.

(Amadeus). Mozart: An Introduction to the Music, the Man, and the Myths explores in detail 20 of the composer's major works in the context of his tragically brief life and the turbulent times in which he lived. Addressed to non-musicians seeking to deepen their technical appreciation for his music while learning more about Mozart the man than the caricature portrayed in the 1986 movie Amadeus , this book offers extensive biographical and historical background debunking many well-established Mozart myths along with guided study of compositions representing every genre of 18th-century music: opera, concerto, symphony, church music, divertimento and serenade, sonata, and string quartet. Author Roye E. Wates, a Mozart specialist, has taught music history to thousands of non-musicians, both undergraduates and adults, as a Professor of Music at Boston University and from 2002-2004 as director of Boston University's Adult Music Seminar at Tanglewood, summer residence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mozart: An Introduction to the Music, the Man, and the Myths provides a unique combination of biographical detail, up-to-date research, detailed musical analyses, and clear definitions of terms. Amateurs as well as more advanced musicians will gain a greater understanding of Mozart's encyclopedic mastery.

A picture of Mozart's "character and of the personalities and events that exercised a decisive influence upon it. The works that are mentioned are not described, but characterized from the point of view of their time and--so far as possible--of our relation to them." --Preface.

An imaginative story about Mozart's many inspirations, now in paperback! Wolfgang Mozart must compose a new piano concerto to perform at the famous Burgtheatre in Vienna. But Mozart can't think of a note to write. When he hears his hungry pet starling sing out melodiously, his creativity begins to flow. Before he can put notes to paper, however, his muse escapes through the window, and Mozart is off on a frantic search to bring her back. Will Mozart find both his friend and song in time? Based on a true story about the famous composer and his beloved pet starling, this enchanting tale celebrates inspiration in any form it takes.