Thursday, January 25, 2024

Musical Genius: A Story about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by Barbara Allman


 This Creative Minds Biography series is for middle grade.


Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) 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.

Published in 2004 by Lerner Classroom 



TRENDING INSPIRATION: Act on Opportunity


Traits:

·         When an opportunity came to compose an opera, he quickly accepted it

·         His success gave him freedom and allowed him to free himself from his father’s authority

·         He moved to the city of music –Vienna - which was his dream

      ·         With his appointment as court composer he felt validated  



“To win applause one must write stuff so simple that a coachman might sing it.” - Mozart

"Expecting life to treat you fairly because you are a great person is like expecting the bull not to charge you because you are a vegetarian." - Dennis Wholey



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