Mozart's Last Aria
compare prices
Mozart's Last Aria
by
3.26 of 5 stars

The news arrives in a letter to his sister, Nannerl, in December 1791. But the message carries more than word of Nannerl's brother's demise. Tw... read full description


reviews

Feb 05, 2012
Amber rated it: 3 of 5 stars
As someone who knows nothing of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or the Freemasons, my review will be on the actual story rather than any historical accuracy. The mystery part was the hook. By the time I was a few chapters in, I was very interested in seeing why exactly everyone was telling the main character, Nannerel, that her brother's death was so dangerous to care about. Halfway through I realized that the mystery was the only hook - Nannerel didn't really have much of an identity despite being the More...
0 comments like
Jan 20, 2012
Juliet rated it: 3 of 5 stars

Cross-genre novels used to be “unpublishable,” but no more. Mozart’s Last Aria could be defined as historical mystery laced with strong threads of fantasy, paranormal and otherwise. This elegantly written and thoroughly researched crime story of 18th Century Vienna has many beauties despite the fact that the main character, Madame Maria Anna Berchtold von Sonnenburg, a.k.a. Mozart’s sister, is completely unbelievable in the role of bold detective. The murder to be solved is, as the title i More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 14, 2011
Pamela rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Mozart's Last Aria by Matt Rees is a combination historical fiction/mystery novel. This is not your run-of-the-mill pot-boiler, though. It's much more complex --and even rather magical.

Readers will be surprised to see a different Mozart when seen through the letter his sister, Maria Anna (affectionately known as Nannerl), writes so that the truth might be known about her brother's death.

The story opens when Nannerl is dying. Mozart's son, Leopold, soon reads the letter he fin More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 07, 2011
Kat rated it: 4 of 5 stars
In October 1791 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the greatest musical genius the world has ever seen, told his wife he had been poisoned. Six weeks later, at the age of thirty-five, he was dead.

In the latest novel by Matt Rees, Mozart's Last Aria is comprised of musical literature intertwined with the news that Mozart's sister, Nannerl hears about his death. Her entire world as she has known it collaspes with the news of her brother's death and she resolves to find out what happened to him. He More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 07, 2011
Alla rated it: 5 of 5 stars
In “Mozart’s last aria,” Matt Rees takes the real-life historical mystery of Mozart’s murder, and uses real-life facts and characters to present a possible solution to the case.

In the early 1790s, Europe is facing some major problems. The French Revolution is going on in France. Prussia and Austria are sworn enemies. And Mozart loses his life in mysterious circumstances, suspecting poisoning. Mozart’s story kicks off when his sister, Nannerl, is dying and gives Mozart’s son the diar More...
0 comments like (2 people liked it)
Jul 18, 2011
Amanda rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Never has the structure of a novel felt more important than in Mozart's Last Aria. Matt Rees takes the essence of Mozart's music to weave a plot that showcases musical genius alongside a desperately paranoid and rather naive young man, who just wanted to introduce equality to all levels of society. Rees starts with a difficult opening - as Nannerl hears about her estranged brother's death and starts to learn that he believed he was being murdered through slow poisoning. The central portion of th More...
0 comments like (4 people liked it)
Jan 06, 2012
Stacia rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I finished Mozart's Last Aria by Matt Rees. Overall, I liked it fairly well & think it would appeal to fans of historical fiction &/or Mozart fans. It would probably also appeal to those who have enjoyed Dan Brown's book as it's a bit similar in style (Masons, secret symbols, influential men, etc...).

Rees included some really lovely little touches & details that made the historic setting shine (emerald green wine; the many times that church bells ring in the city; ...). I found some More...
0 comments like
Dec 12, 2011
Michelle added it
With nine years of participating in an award-winning wind ensemble under my belt, I have a huge affinity for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his works. I've visited Salzburg several times, toured the house in which he was born, and have watched the movie Amadeus more times than I probably should admit. When offered the chance to review a novel about Mozart's mysterious demise, there was no hesitation on my part; I felt I was meant to read this book. I mention this because my knowledge of and feeling More...
0 comments like
Dec 07, 2011
Reading rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Review Written by Andrea @ Reading Lark
http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/12/...

I have to admit that I agreed to review this book because of the cover. This is one that I want to frame and put on my wall. Sure, the plot sounded interesting as well, but I have never been a big classical music fan. However, between the cover and the lure of a murder mystery I could resist opening these pages.

Mozart's Last Aria tells the story of Mozart's death, his musical career, famil More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Aug 13, 2011
Georgette rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart passes away. His sister, miles away and estranged from him, receives a diary of his that leads her to believe he was poisoned. She travels miles to his home and becomes embroiled in startling political intrigue involving the Knights of Templar, forbidden romance, and her own quest for forgiveness for not reconciling with her brother before his death. It was a good read, however, the lead character seems disconnected from the plot throughout the book. It's very hard to buy More...
0 comments like (2 people liked it)
Nov 20, 2011
Deidre rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I'm going to be a bit harsh in the review, but I can't really help it.. I was too disappointed. I really wanted to give this more stars than three. Honestly, if I could be more accurate, I'd give it three and a half. But since I can't give it that extra half, I had to round down, and give it three.

Big reason for rounding down: The fluffy writing. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy fluff. I like it in my pillows, on my dog, and under my butt when I'm driving. But I don't enjoy excessive fluffy More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 22, 2011
Jennie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I am seriously drawn to books with fancy dresses on the covers. This is odd for one reason – I hate to wear dresses. I find it interesting that something I despise in my own life attracts me so much in what I read.

This book drew me in from the first page. The setting was rich in detail and color with characters that I connected with immediately. My favorite aspect of historical fiction novels is experiencing a time so long ago - this novel provides that aspect perfectly. I felt like More...
2 comments like (1 person liked it)
Dec 20, 2011
Patricia rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 19, 2012
Michael rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Matt Rees writing style. He uses very clear prose that is reminiscent of Orwell. I also really appreciated his knowledge and use of musical terms that, while adding something for those who understand what he's talking about, doesn't take away from those uninitiated in the study of music.

The story is a great concept. However, it's execution is a bit sloppy. All of the male characters, around whom the plot regarding W. A. Mozart's death revolves, are flat and unint More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 30, 2011
Wendy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
An interesting mixture of mostly fiction, with some fact. There's long been controversy over Mozart's death, rumours about his links to the Masonic movement. He was a mason and this author would have you believe that he wanted women of special talent to be admitted to the lodge, hence he was poisoned.

I found it difficult keeping up with all the different factions and understanding their political agendas. I came out of it unconvinced that Mozart had actually been murdered, less certain More...
0 comments like
Dec 08, 2011
Staci rated it: 4 of 5 stars
First thoughts after I finished: "I want to read more about Nannerl!"

I love books that make me feel as if I have a front row seat to the story and this one delivered in that aspect in every way. I love historical fiction, especially when the author finds such an interesting and real life person such as Nannerl. I hate to admit the fact that I didn't even realize that Mozart had a sister! My heart hurt for her knowing how much she sacrificed over the years. Her father forced More...
1 comment like (2 people liked it)
Feb 08, 2012
Anne rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Yawn. Another conspiracy theory about Mozart's death, this time starring the composer's estranged sister, Nannerl, a musician of prodigious talent living a stunted and stultified life in the provinces. Rees evokes the conspiratorial hothouse that was late 18th century Vienna and it's a good adventure yarn if you are willing to suspend belief. He mixes facts with fiction (Nannerl Mozart never came to Vienna following her brother's death) but I didn't go for the primary motivation behind the crim More...
0 comments like
Oct 08, 2011
Kate rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The blurb for this book begins: “Six weeks ago, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart told his wife he had been poisoned. Yesterday, he died.” The heroine is Mozart’s sister Nannerl, who has been estranged from him for years. However, hearing of her brother’s death, she travels to Vienna to investigate. Soon she finds herself caught up in secret Masonic plots, her life in danger. I really enjoyed this book. It’s a little like The Da Vinci Code in some ways, with its emphasis on secret societies and symbolic More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 11, 2012
Annie rated it: 3 of 5 stars
At halfway point of this fascinating read, especially will appeal to Mozart fans.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Feb 05, 2012
Scoozer rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Mozart's Last Aria by Matt Rees

This was an amazing book that investigates Mozart's death. It is a mystery that delves into Mozart's life and music. I loved it. It mixed historical elements of Mozart's life and Viennese society with the murder investigation conducted by Mozart's sister, Nannerl. Although no one knows why Mozart died, there are theories that support poisoning.

I highly recommend this beautiful book to anyone who likes historical mysteries and/or Mozart. Af More...
0 comments like
Nov 15, 2011
Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Even though this book has elements that I just eat up -- a take-charge heroine, unique foreign setting, weird conspiracy involving a secret society, dramatic artists, and lots of intrigue -- I actually found this to be an unremarkable novel. The book isn't bad -- it's just rather pedestrian. At 295 pages, it ought to be a fast read but weirdly, the story drags despite the non-stop action.

The novel is written in the first person which is normally a voice I rather like -- I enjoy 'be More...
19 comments like (1 person liked it)
Dec 31, 2011
Holly rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Does the world need another book about Mozart? Only if it is unique. Mozart’s Last Aria, a historical crime thriller about the mystery surrounding the great composer’s life, fits the bill. Enter the opera hall as Matt Rees brings 18th century Vienna to life in his clever and entertaining expedition through the opera halls and streets Mozart frequented. Deception, passion and fear roam in the city where Freemasons furtively meet to usurp power from those who abuse it.

The book’s heroi More...
2 comments like
Jan 26, 2012
Krista rated it: 3 of 5 stars
The back-cover blurb praised this novel as Mozart meets The DaVinci Code, and I suppose that the conspiracies, secret societies, and murders in this novel result in much the same tone as a Dan Brown work. Even the use of a female protagonist (Mozart's sister, Nannerl) investigating the mysteries of a predominantly male world was similar. This novel was elegantly written, beautifully depicting the lost Vienna of the 18th century and its fascination with music.
0 comments like
Jan 14, 2012
Annie rated it: 2 of 5 stars
This book caught me, first of all, because of its stunning cover!
The second thing that made me want to read it was that it had such an interesting story-line! I had high hopes but I must admit, it was pretty dry and very hard to "get into." When I read a book, I find that I personally need to be able to picture their faces, voices, mannerisms, etc. in order to be pulled into the story and envision the settings, costumes - things like that. I had none of that when I read this! Ever More...
3 comments like
Feb 19, 2012
Matt rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This was a pretty enjoyable read. The character of Nannerl is well-developed, but the others don't stand out as particularly strong characters. I'd imagine that if you don't have at least a small amount of music knowledge (classical theory), some passages in the book may seem a bit technical and like mumbl-jumbo.

I felt that this book didn't have the sincerity of AMADEUS or AN EQUAL MUSIC, which is another work of fiction with a strong emphasis on classical music.

Worth a read, More...
0 comments like
Jan 31, 2012
Vivienne rated it: 4 of 5 stars

Very enjoyable historical mystery featuring Wolfgang’s sister Nannerl. I knew nothing about her before reading this novel and so was grateful to Matt Rees both for providing me with an entertaining few hours seeped in late 18th century Vienna as well as increasing my knowledge of the Mozart family; their work and legacy.

As with most historical mysteries, Rees has specualted using known historical facts and imaginative leaps to 'solve' the mystery of Wolfgang's death. He also ex More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Dec 19, 2011
RuthG rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Rees has captured the politics, customs, and manners of the time in his novel about the death/murder of Mozart. Although the story itself is fiction, many people and events featured in the book were real. I liked the way he used the music as a way to carry the story along to its conclusion and found his solution to the mystery very believable. It was definitely well worth reading.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jan 27, 2012
Marge rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did - based on historical truth about Mozart, his life, family, involvement with the Mason's, the fiction part was how and why he died. Some of the dialog was a little involved and difficult to understand the circumstances but it made me want to listen to and love Mozart's music the way this author must from the way he wrote about it.
0 comments like
Nov 27, 2011
Phil rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Make that 4.5 stars. Rees has taken known facts of Mozart's life and times and constructed a fine "mystery" surrounding the circumstances of Mozart's death. While he definitely took perhaps too many liberties, as he explained in an Afterword. A knowledge of Mozart's life and times, and his opera, The Magic Flute definitely add texture to the narrative. The plot, founded on a conspiracy, is as straight and direct as a corkscrew.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jul 27, 2011
Carey rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I found this tremendously disappointing. I love Matt Rees' other books set in Palestine and this was a whole new departure. I think I may have enjoyed it a lot more had I had an appreciation of Mozart's later music and the philosophy behind it. But as it was, I found the characters wooden, unbelievable and full of clichés, while the story was pretty weak.
0 comments like (2 people liked it)