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A Life in Letters (Penguin Classics)

Description:

A selection of Mozart's letters, translated into English, complete with notes, linking commentary and chronology.


Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Austrian composer, widely recognised as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. Among his most famous works, with Lorenzo da Ponte as librettist: Le nozze di Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787) Cosi fan tutte (1790), Die Zauberflöte (1791), La clemenza di Tito (1791). Cliff Eisen has published extensively on the life and works of W. A. Mozart, including the New Grove 'Mozart', the edited volumes Mozart Studies (Oxford University Press, 1991), Mozart Studies 2 (Oxford University Press, 1997) and New Mozart Documents (London, 1991). He is general editor of the forthcoming Oxford Companion to Mozart. Stewart Spencer is an authority on German literature and an editor of the journal of the Wagner Society. Barry Millington is the author of the highly acclaimed Master Musicians: Wagner and editor of The Wagner Compendium.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great collection of the letters-nice edition

C.S. · November 5, 2018

I have several collections of the Master's letters as I find them erudite, interesting and entertaining. Of course I love Mozart's music, and this makes for great reading material while listening. I have particularly enjoyed this edition. The letters written to Mozart by his family, friends, and others are a nice inclusion as these are usually left out. It's interesting to see how Mozart wriggles around his demanding father, and how he deals with friends, other family members, and other musicians. Mozart always seems to leave a little of the negative side of things out-not saying he was a liar, just that he seemed to always want to believe in his own idealistic version of things. I find amusement in the somewhat exasperated replies by the more level headed of his correspondents.There is a good introduction and contains supplemental materials as well all of which makes this a great edition.This is the one to get.

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed reading this book

U. · December 21, 2023

I was surprised to read Mozart’s writing since he seems to have a great sense of humor. Definitely thorough and interesting viewpoint on his life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting Intimate with the Mozarts

F. · February 7, 2015

What better way to learn about Mozart than from his letters? His father goes from being a stock, domineering patriarch to a very human man, concerned about the well-being of his son and intent on helping the young man to make what he sees as the right decisions--though whether father knows best is up for debate. The letters reveal Europe in the second half of the 18th century. Travels by carriage, bad inns, frightening illnesses. It's fascinating to see the way Mozart's genius is questioned, and how he puts all the arguments of the naysayers to rest when given a chance. We see the famously dirty sense of humor in all members of his family. This wonderful edition of the letters contains brief introductions to various letters, strong footnotes, and a context-setting introduction. The letters themselves allow us an unadulterated view into the lives of one of the greatest composers. This book is well worth the price and your attention.

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential for any Mozart enthusiast

F.E. · March 20, 2023

The media could not be loaded. I’ve been enjoying studying this book. It has a good inside of Mozart’s life has told through letters of him and his family. It’s a personal way to get to know a composer.

4.0 out of 5 stars Caveat Emptor, publisher misprint

S.b.t. · February 18, 2019

Two sequential orders of this book were missing a page (at least, that I could tell) of a historical timeline at the beginning of the book. Both were returned without a problem, but make sure you check for the publisher's misprint if you receive one of these books. Bolo should return these to the publisher.

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down!

z. · August 24, 2009

Who knew that a primary source would be so much better than any biography? This is a surprisingly fascinating and easy read. The translator does a fantastic job with the letters, even getting one of Mozart's silly poems to rhyme in English. You get the real story told from the point of view of the Mozarts themselves. You really feel bad for Leopold as his rather flighty son traipses around Europe running up debts.Cons: I know the letters were voluminous, but I wish there were even more letters included here. Maybe they will come out with an unabridged edition. I know the footnotes were difficult to do, as the Mozarts drop tons of names, but I also wish there was more information included on some of the people referenced in the letters.That said, I highly recommend this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

J.O. · October 21, 2014

I know it's not utterly complete, but it is just what I wanted. There are a LOT of letters in here; it's not a superficial selection. Good translation, helpful background notes and footnotes. I'm reading this in tandem with the Abert Mozart biography, and pretty much every letter he references is in this collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Listen to Mozart's music while reading his letters transports us ...

A.S. · September 5, 2014

Listen to Mozart's music while reading his letters transports us back to a time when this music was written... letters are private, not for us to see... that's why this book is such a treasure and we discover that the composer shows us another dynamic in his music, which we have so shamelessly appropriated as our own. it becomes personal. Every music lover should make the effort to discover the man who gave us such wealth, because it is impossible to imagine a world without his music. Alexandra

Great selection of

a. · April 21, 2018

Pricey but worth it! Great selection of letters

Marvelous Mozart

M.J.P. · April 11, 2020

Some incredible letters that give real insight into the relationship between Mozart and his father. Great book for dipping in and out of.

Beste existierende Übersetzung der Briefe Mozarts!

H.B. · November 18, 2014

Die Übersetzungen der Briefe Mozarts durch Stewart Spencer sind die besten, die es gibt! Leider musste sich die Auswahl auf 184 der 1400 Briefe der Mozarts beschränken.SEHR EMPFEHLENSWERT!!

What a great collection

M. · October 13, 2020

I didn't know that these existed, until researching a production of Amadeus I happened upon these. A really great collection that give you an insight not only into the genius of the man, but the times themselves. Well worth it.

Interesting reading

T.D. · October 24, 2017

Excellent selection of letters, many written by Mozart's father who comes across as obsessed with money and the cost of everything. Footnotes are extensive and informative, and the Kindle formatting is flawless.

A Life in Letters (Penguin Classics)

Product ID: U0141441461
Condition: New

4.7

AED13992

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Classical”

A Life in Letters (Penguin Classics)

Product ID: U0141441461
Condition: New

4.7

A Life in Letters (Penguin Classics)-0
Type: Paperback

AED13992

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

A selection of Mozart's letters, translated into English, complete with notes, linking commentary and chronology.


Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Austrian composer, widely recognised as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. Among his most famous works, with Lorenzo da Ponte as librettist: Le nozze di Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787) Cosi fan tutte (1790), Die Zauberflöte (1791), La clemenza di Tito (1791). Cliff Eisen has published extensively on the life and works of W. A. Mozart, including the New Grove 'Mozart', the edited volumes Mozart Studies (Oxford University Press, 1991), Mozart Studies 2 (Oxford University Press, 1997) and New Mozart Documents (London, 1991). He is general editor of the forthcoming Oxford Companion to Mozart. Stewart Spencer is an authority on German literature and an editor of the journal of the Wagner Society. Barry Millington is the author of the highly acclaimed Master Musicians: Wagner and editor of The Wagner Compendium.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great collection of the letters-nice edition

C.S. · November 5, 2018

I have several collections of the Master's letters as I find them erudite, interesting and entertaining. Of course I love Mozart's music, and this makes for great reading material while listening. I have particularly enjoyed this edition. The letters written to Mozart by his family, friends, and others are a nice inclusion as these are usually left out. It's interesting to see how Mozart wriggles around his demanding father, and how he deals with friends, other family members, and other musicians. Mozart always seems to leave a little of the negative side of things out-not saying he was a liar, just that he seemed to always want to believe in his own idealistic version of things. I find amusement in the somewhat exasperated replies by the more level headed of his correspondents.There is a good introduction and contains supplemental materials as well all of which makes this a great edition.This is the one to get.

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed reading this book

U. · December 21, 2023

I was surprised to read Mozart’s writing since he seems to have a great sense of humor. Definitely thorough and interesting viewpoint on his life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting Intimate with the Mozarts

F. · February 7, 2015

What better way to learn about Mozart than from his letters? His father goes from being a stock, domineering patriarch to a very human man, concerned about the well-being of his son and intent on helping the young man to make what he sees as the right decisions--though whether father knows best is up for debate. The letters reveal Europe in the second half of the 18th century. Travels by carriage, bad inns, frightening illnesses. It's fascinating to see the way Mozart's genius is questioned, and how he puts all the arguments of the naysayers to rest when given a chance. We see the famously dirty sense of humor in all members of his family. This wonderful edition of the letters contains brief introductions to various letters, strong footnotes, and a context-setting introduction. The letters themselves allow us an unadulterated view into the lives of one of the greatest composers. This book is well worth the price and your attention.

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential for any Mozart enthusiast

F.E. · March 20, 2023

The media could not be loaded. I’ve been enjoying studying this book. It has a good inside of Mozart’s life has told through letters of him and his family. It’s a personal way to get to know a composer.

4.0 out of 5 stars Caveat Emptor, publisher misprint

S.b.t. · February 18, 2019

Two sequential orders of this book were missing a page (at least, that I could tell) of a historical timeline at the beginning of the book. Both were returned without a problem, but make sure you check for the publisher's misprint if you receive one of these books. Bolo should return these to the publisher.

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down!

z. · August 24, 2009

Who knew that a primary source would be so much better than any biography? This is a surprisingly fascinating and easy read. The translator does a fantastic job with the letters, even getting one of Mozart's silly poems to rhyme in English. You get the real story told from the point of view of the Mozarts themselves. You really feel bad for Leopold as his rather flighty son traipses around Europe running up debts.Cons: I know the letters were voluminous, but I wish there were even more letters included here. Maybe they will come out with an unabridged edition. I know the footnotes were difficult to do, as the Mozarts drop tons of names, but I also wish there was more information included on some of the people referenced in the letters.That said, I highly recommend this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

J.O. · October 21, 2014

I know it's not utterly complete, but it is just what I wanted. There are a LOT of letters in here; it's not a superficial selection. Good translation, helpful background notes and footnotes. I'm reading this in tandem with the Abert Mozart biography, and pretty much every letter he references is in this collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Listen to Mozart's music while reading his letters transports us ...

A.S. · September 5, 2014

Listen to Mozart's music while reading his letters transports us back to a time when this music was written... letters are private, not for us to see... that's why this book is such a treasure and we discover that the composer shows us another dynamic in his music, which we have so shamelessly appropriated as our own. it becomes personal. Every music lover should make the effort to discover the man who gave us such wealth, because it is impossible to imagine a world without his music. Alexandra

Great selection of

a. · April 21, 2018

Pricey but worth it! Great selection of letters

Marvelous Mozart

M.J.P. · April 11, 2020

Some incredible letters that give real insight into the relationship between Mozart and his father. Great book for dipping in and out of.

Beste existierende Übersetzung der Briefe Mozarts!

H.B. · November 18, 2014

Die Übersetzungen der Briefe Mozarts durch Stewart Spencer sind die besten, die es gibt! Leider musste sich die Auswahl auf 184 der 1400 Briefe der Mozarts beschränken.SEHR EMPFEHLENSWERT!!

What a great collection

M. · October 13, 2020

I didn't know that these existed, until researching a production of Amadeus I happened upon these. A really great collection that give you an insight not only into the genius of the man, but the times themselves. Well worth it.

Interesting reading

T.D. · October 24, 2017

Excellent selection of letters, many written by Mozart's father who comes across as obsessed with money and the cost of everything. Footnotes are extensive and informative, and the Kindle formatting is flawless.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Classical”