Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time, but how did he achieve his musical genius? A new book by acclaimed conductor Jane Glover, Mozart in Italy: Coming of Age in the Land of Opera, reveals the crucial role that Italy played in Mozart’s artistic development and career.
Between 1769 and 1773, the young Mozart and his father Leopold made three journeys to Italy, the country at the heart of the opera world. There, Mozart encountered the most celebrated singers, composers, and impresarios of his time, and learned the secrets of the Italian operatic style. He also composed some of his finest works, including three operas for Milan’s Teatro Regio Ducale, and received honors such as a papal knighthood and memberships in prestigious philharmonic societies.
Glover, who has conducted many of Mozart’s operas and symphonies, draws on her extensive knowledge of 18th-century music and culture to bring Mozart’s Italian adventures to life. She vividly describes the places he visited, the people he met, the challenges he faced, and the inspirations he found. She also explores the complex relationship between Mozart and his father, who was both his mentor and his manager, and who had high hopes for his son’s success and recognition.
Mozart in Italy is not only a biography of a musical prodigy, but also a fascinating portrait of a vibrant and turbulent era in European history. Glover shows how Mozart’s experiences in Italy shaped his personality, his style, and his destiny. As she writes, “Italy was where he came of age, where he became a master.”
The book has received positive reviews from critics and readers alike, who praise Glover’s engaging and authoritative writing, her rich and colorful details, and her deep and passionate understanding of Mozart’s music. The Guardian calls it “an account of the teenage Mozart’s operatic awakening [that] is packed with humanising detail” , while The Spectator says it is “a match made in heaven” and “a lively account of journeys which the composer shared (mostly) with his father Leopold”. The book is also a bestseller on Amazon, where it has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars .
Mozart in Italy is a must-read for anyone who loves Mozart, opera, or history. It is a captivating and enlightening story of how a boy became a legend, and how a country became his muse.
