Mozart: The Man and the Artist, as Revealed in His Own Words

"Mozart: The Man and the Artist, as Revealed in His Own Words" by Friedrich Kerst is a biographical compilation of the life and thoughts of the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, likely written in the late 19th century. This work serves as an informal autobiography, presenting selections from Mozart's letters and personal communications to give readers insights into his character, artistic philosophy, and the socio-cultural context of his time. The opening of the book introduces readers to the significant impact Mozart had on Western music and civilization. It discusses his exceptional talent, beginning from his prodigious early years to his struggles with financial instability and societal recognition. The text emphasizes his vibrant personality, depicting him as a creative force committed to elevating the cultural landscape of his time. It also highlights the poignant contrasts between his artistic contributions and the lack of appreciation he faced during his lifetime, culminating in a reflection on his unmarked grave after his untimely death. Overall, this opening portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Mozart's life through his own words, promising a rich tapestry of insights into his genius and humanity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical period. Despite his short life, his rapid pace of composition resulted in more than 800 works representing virtually every Western classical genre of his time. Many of these compositions are acknowledged as pinnacles of the symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral repertoire. Mozart is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music, with his music admired for its "melodic beauty, its formal elegance and its richness of harmony and texture".