Mozart: A Life

They all crumble under Johnson’s commonsense presentation of evidence. An altogether excellent primer on possibly the most complete musician who ever lived. --Ray Olson . From Booklist *Starred Review* For once taking an uncontroversial stance, politicallycontentious popular historian Johnson lauds everyone’s favorite composer so as to pique the interest of every reader of this profile. Johnson starts debunking myths on the first page, where he insists that Mozart wasn’t a sickly child. While proceeding overall in good biographical chronology, Johnson prosecutes his first objective by, for instance, discussing how Mozart’s writing for particular instruments—from piano to viola to the then-new clarinet to trombone

"A Short Effective Work Dispelling Misconceptions" according to The Peripatetic Reader. This is a short, brief, to-the-point book about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which, for all its brevity, is probably the only book a general reader would want to consult to be fully informed of his life and work.In addition, if you are like me, your only source of information about the life of Mozar. "Refreshing" according to Kindle Customer. It's refreshing to read a biography of Mozart that treats him as an adult human being. Johnson makes no excuses for Mozart's life and does not great his subject as it he's made of "Dresden china"; instead he gives us the life of a true genius and doesn't why away or avert his eyes when there are. "Just enough detail" according to George N. Wells. There are tomes on the lives of many composers that can cure insomnia. This book is well written and engaging while not becoming pedantic. Someday I might want more details but this was just great.

Always engaging, Johnson offers readers and music lovers a superb examination of Mozart and his glorious music, which is still performed every day in concert halls and opera houses around the world.. Eminent historian Paul Johnson dazzles with a rich, succinct portrait of Mozart and his musicAs he’s done in Napoleon, Churchill, Jesus, and Darwin, acclaimed historian and author Paul Johnson here offers a concise, illuminating biography of Mozart. For example, no sooner had the clarinet been invented and introduced than Mozart began playing and composing for it.In addition to his many insights into Mozart’s music, Johnson also challenges the many myths that have followed Mozart, including those about the composer’s health, wealth, religion, and relationships. Mozart’s gift and skill with instruments was also remar

He has contributed to Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and many others. In addition to his many biographies, his books also include A History of the American People and Modern Times. Paul Johnson is an acclaimed historian and author. . He lives in London