Mozart the Performer: Variations on the Showman's Art

Mozart's contemporaries revered him as a multi-instrumentalist, improviser, and keyboard virtuoso. He wrote piano concertos, sonatas, string quartets, symphonies, and operas to showcase his keyboard wizardry before an awestruck public. Mozart the Performer by Dorian Bandy explores the influence of showmanship on Mozart's style, showing how he conceived his works as dramatic scripts. The book is for anyone who wishes to engage more deeply with Mozart's artistry and legacy and understand why his music still captivates us centuries later.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Mozart, the renowned composer, is celebrated as one of history's greatest musical geniuses. However, his contemporaries held him in even higher esteem as a multi-instrumentalist, an exceptional improviser, and the preeminent keyboard virtuoso of his era. Mozart's compositions were driven by a singular purpose: to create captivating performances that would leave audiences spellbound. He approached his piano concertos not with the intention of posterity but as a means to showcase his extraordinary keyboard prowess before an awe-struck audience. The same principle applied to his sonatas, string quartets, symphonies, and operas, each meticulously crafted to elicit specific emotions and effects on those who played or listened to them. Whether it was through humor, stirring melodies, or ravishing harmonies, Mozart's music had the power to amuse, inspire, and enchant both his colleagues and the general public.

Mozart the Performer, a groundbreaking study, delves into the lesser-known aspect of Mozart's musicianship. Author Dorian Bandy explores the profound influence of showmanship on Mozart's style, unveiling the intricate ways in which he conceived his works as a series of dramatic scripts. Through detailed analysis and imaginative historical investigation, Bandy sheds light on Mozart's creative process, revealing how he tailored his compositions to evoke specific emotions and create compelling narratives.

This captivating book is a must-read for anyone who desires a deeper understanding of Mozart's artistry and legacy. It offers a fresh perspective on the composer, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of his musicianship and revealing the profound impact of performance on his compositional style. Mozart the Performer provides a valuable resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone who seeks to engage more deeply with the timeless music of this legendary composer.

In conclusion, Mozart the Performer is a groundbreaking work that delves into the lesser-known side of Mozart's musicianship. Through detailed analysis and imaginative historical investigation, author Dorian Bandy explores the profound influence of showmanship on Mozart's style, unveiling the intricate ways in which he conceived his works as dramatic scripts. This captivating book offers a valuable resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone who seeks to engage more deeply with the timeless music of this legendary composer.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226828558