Mozart: Hermann Abert's Monumental Biography

Hermann Abert's multi-volume biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a towering achievement in music scholarship. Spanning over 2,000 pages, this comprehensive work provides an unparalleled account of Mozart's life, music, and legacy. Abert's meticulous research and deep understanding of Mozart's music make this biography an essential reference for anyone interested in the life and work of this musical genius.

Volume 1: Life and Work

The first volume of Abert's biography focuses on Mozart's life and work. It traces Mozart's childhood from his birth in Salzburg, Austria, in 1756, to his early years as a child prodigy touring Europe. Abert also provides a detailed account of Mozart's later years in Vienna, where he composed some of his most famous works, including the operas "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Don Giovanni."

W.A. Mozart

by Hermann Abert

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21276 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	2790 pages

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In addition to recounting Mozart's life story, Abert also offers a detailed analysis of his music. He discusses Mozart's compositional techniques, his use of harmony, melody, and rhythm, and his mastery of different genres, including opera, concertos, and symphonies.

Volume 2: Thematic Catalogue

The second volume of Abert's biography is a thematic catalogue of Mozart's works. This catalogue lists all of Mozart's known compositions, including the date of composition, the key, the instrumentation, and the first performance. Abert also provides brief annotations for each work, discussing its musical style, structure, and significance.

The thematic catalogue is an invaluable resource for scholars and performers alike. It provides a comprehensive overview of Mozart's output and helps to situate each work within the context of his overall career.

Volume 3: Letters and Documents

The third volume of Abert's biography contains a collection of Mozart's letters and documents. These letters provide a fascinating glimpse into Mozart's personal life and thoughts. They reveal his relationships with his family, friends, and patrons, as well as his struggles with financial hardship and ill health.

The letters and documents also shed light on Mozart's creative process. They include drafts of his compositions, sketches, and notes, providing valuable insights into how he worked and thought as a composer.

Legacy

Hermann Abert's biography of Mozart is a monumental work that has had a profound impact on our understanding of this musical genius. Abert's meticulous research and deep understanding of Mozart's music have made his biography the definitive account of Mozart's life and work.

Abert's biography continues to be an essential resource for scholars, performers, and anyone interested in the life and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is a testament to Abert's dedication and scholarship that his biography remains the standard work on Mozart more than a century after its publication.

Hermann Abert's biography of Mozart is a masterpiece of music scholarship. It provides an unparalleled account of Mozart's life, music, and legacy. Abert's meticulous research and deep understanding of Mozart's music make this biography an essential reference for anyone interested in the life and work of this musical genius.

Further Reading

• Hermann Abert
• Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus