Helpful Score: 2
A fascinating historical mystery that will keep the reader turning pages. Mozart's music was beautifully written, if not difficult to be played and sung. To be heard is phenomenal. Young and old can appareciate Mozart's music; it has a way of transcending one's spirit richly. Having heard parts of a 'requime,' I could almost hear it again as I read sections of the book from Rees' writing.
Rees' writing stirs the reader's emotions as he/she questions the mystery of Mozart's death. The characters in the book are portrayed historically well. Many people and reasonings are questioned as suspect of Mozart's death. An excellent read for a lover of music or the mystery reader, especially the historical mystery reader...
Rees' writing stirs the reader's emotions as he/she questions the mystery of Mozart's death. The characters in the book are portrayed historically well. Many people and reasonings are questioned as suspect of Mozart's death. An excellent read for a lover of music or the mystery reader, especially the historical mystery reader...
If you get an opportunity to pick up a copy that has a "P.S." in the bottom right corner, be sure you select this version. It tells the story behind MOZART'S LAST ARIA. It also offers suggested readings and listening selections.
Thank goodness the author has a listing of the main characters available before starting the novel. I found myself referring to it often. This is a "what if" story about the questionable circumstances of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's untimely death at 35-years-of-age.
The story is told through the eyes of Mozart's older sister, Maria Anna "Nannerl" Berchtold von Sonnenberg, who had married an unimaginative, controlling man in Salzburg.
Nannerl is on her deathbed when she gives to her nephew, Wolfgang, the story of how she went to Vienna to learn the truth about her famous brother's death. It all started when Nannerl received a letter from her sister-in-law, telling her of Mozart's death. More worrisome, Constanze confides that Mozart was convinced that he'd been poisoned.
The descriptions of Vienna and life during that time were enchanting and fascinating. However, when the 'truth' about Amadeus' death was divulged, the story sank fast. 3.5 stars
Thank goodness the author has a listing of the main characters available before starting the novel. I found myself referring to it often. This is a "what if" story about the questionable circumstances of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's untimely death at 35-years-of-age.
The story is told through the eyes of Mozart's older sister, Maria Anna "Nannerl" Berchtold von Sonnenberg, who had married an unimaginative, controlling man in Salzburg.
Nannerl is on her deathbed when she gives to her nephew, Wolfgang, the story of how she went to Vienna to learn the truth about her famous brother's death. It all started when Nannerl received a letter from her sister-in-law, telling her of Mozart's death. More worrisome, Constanze confides that Mozart was convinced that he'd been poisoned.
The descriptions of Vienna and life during that time were enchanting and fascinating. However, when the 'truth' about Amadeus' death was divulged, the story sank fast. 3.5 stars
