Mozart in Vienna, 1781-1791

That there is still something lively and pertinent to say about Mozart after 200 years and hundreds of books is evident in this translation of a recent German study. Braunbehrens, a music historian and journalist, examines the Viennese social scene, the role that musicians, Jews and Freemasons played in the life of the city, the many apartments in which Mozart lived, how much he earned and how he spent it. His depiction of the character of Mozart's wife Constanze is fresh and sympathetic. He examines the manner of Mozart's death and the probable facts about his ``pauper's funeral''; tracing their origins, he disproves or dispels some of the myths and legends surrounding the young genius. Braunbehrens focuses on Mozart the man, the son, husband and father; readers must turn elsewhere for a fuller discussion of his musical achievements. Photos not seen by PW. (Oct.)