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Musical Genius: A Story about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
A musical prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart began playing the piano and composing when he was just three years old. Able to play multiple instruments, among them the piano and violin, Mozart spent much of his youth touring European courts with his family. From the time he was three until his death just thirty-two years later, he produced a huge volume of musical works. Among them the famed operas The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, and Don Giovanni.
64 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 1, 2023
This is the first biography I’ve read in A Creative Minds Biography series for middle grade.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Holy Roman Empire. At young age, he composed a concerto, which astonished his father. The father knew that little Mozart was musically talented, but not knowing the letters of the alphabet yet, he was able to compose such difficult piece was stunning.
From the age of six, little Mozart began playing for the royals and aristocrats in Vienna. Followed, by tour across Europe. Quickly, becoming known across Europe as a wonder child.
As an adult, when an opportunity came to compose an opera, he quickly accepted it. That was something he dreamed about. It was a success for him. That allowed him to become independent and free from his father’s authority. He moved to Vienna, the city he loved.
Once, he was appointed as court composer, he felt validated.
His operas were getting better and better, and he received an unusual request to write requiem. The request came from Count Walsegg-Stuppach to honor his wife who had died. Mozart mixed the style of church and opera to create this Requiem. (This Requiem was played at Chopin’s funeral per Chopin’s request).
He became ill and at the age of thirty-five died. Requiem was not finished. Mozart’s assistant finished it using Mozart’s sketches.
Within his short life, Mozart created a legacy as one of the greatest composers.
The whole biography has a good flow and is interestingly presented. The titles of the six chapters are catchy.
As soon as I opened the book, I fell in love with illustrations, which are in a form of black and white sketches.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Holy Roman Empire. At young age, he composed a concerto, which astonished his father. The father knew that little Mozart was musically talented, but not knowing the letters of the alphabet yet, he was able to compose such difficult piece was stunning.
From the age of six, little Mozart began playing for the royals and aristocrats in Vienna. Followed, by tour across Europe. Quickly, becoming known across Europe as a wonder child.
As an adult, when an opportunity came to compose an opera, he quickly accepted it. That was something he dreamed about. It was a success for him. That allowed him to become independent and free from his father’s authority. He moved to Vienna, the city he loved.
Once, he was appointed as court composer, he felt validated.
His operas were getting better and better, and he received an unusual request to write requiem. The request came from Count Walsegg-Stuppach to honor his wife who had died. Mozart mixed the style of church and opera to create this Requiem. (This Requiem was played at Chopin’s funeral per Chopin’s request).
He became ill and at the age of thirty-five died. Requiem was not finished. Mozart’s assistant finished it using Mozart’s sketches.
Within his short life, Mozart created a legacy as one of the greatest composers.
The whole biography has a good flow and is interestingly presented. The titles of the six chapters are catchy.
As soon as I opened the book, I fell in love with illustrations, which are in a form of black and white sketches.
June 24, 2020
Though I have played piano edging on to sixty years, and I have played some pieces by Mozart for nearly fifty, the magnitude of his written musical works did not fully impact me until I read this short biography about him. And then, to realize that he accomplished all of this while touring and traveling and before his death at age 31.
Excuse me while I go play some more of his music!
Excuse me while I go play some more of his music!
March 16, 2021
Read this aloud to my 12yo and 8yo who are currently obsessed with classical composers. We all enjoyed the brief glimpse into Mozart's short whirlwind of a life. My husband listened in and searched up pieces for us to listen as we read about each famous opera, concerto, or symphony being composed.
January 28, 2025
I read this to my boys, and we enjoyed hearing Mozart's short life story and looking up each piece of music as we went along.
April 15, 2016
Goofy little book
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews