The foreword to this book is an incredible articulation of praise of Mozart's work by someone who knows his music very well indeed. The interview which makes up the body of the book itself could also only have been written by someone who knows Mozart's life, his music, and the music of the period. While Tavener's foreword is by far the better piece of writing, Rushton's pretend interview is interesting, entertaining, and informative; although rather too informal and a bit repetitive. Overall, a surprisingly good book for its genre.
This is a wonderful little book. I was highly pleased and amused by the way that "Mozart" talked to the interviewer in this.
I learned things about Mozart I doubt I will have ever known, and learned that some things I thought were fact about him weren't even close to true, or that they had any evidence to prove it. I was amazed by how little I knew about him. It's sparked my interest in not only the time period of his life, but the man himself and his music.
My only issue with the book may not be the books problem but my own. So much of it went right over my head. Lots of classical music terms that I really didn't understand. I think if I had more knowledge this book would be even more fulfilling. I guess maybe it could have been 'dumbed' it down, but that may have taken away from the over all 'story'.
Overall, this was a great, quick read. I look forward to reading more Coffee With... books.
I learned things about Mozart I doubt I will have ever known, and learned that some things I thought were fact about him weren't even close to true, or that they had any evidence to prove it. I was amazed by how little I knew about him. It's sparked my interest in not only the time period of his life, but the man himself and his music.
My only issue with the book may not be the books problem but my own. So much of it went right over my head. Lots of classical music terms that I really didn't understand. I think if I had more knowledge this book would be even more fulfilling. I guess maybe it could have been 'dumbed' it down, but that may have taken away from the over all 'story'.
Overall, this was a great, quick read. I look forward to reading more Coffee With... books.
