Mozart, the Golden Years, 1781-1791

This well-illustrated volume by a noted musicologist ( 1791: Mozart's Last Year ) traces the great composer's decade in the Austrian capital; but, although authoritative, it seems made up of assorted bits and pieces culled from familiar sources as well as from recent research. Landon surveys Vienna's musical and social scene, analyzes Mozart's major works (especially his piano concertos and the key relationships in the operas), suggests that Mozart's manic depressive condition strongly influenced his compositions, and provides details about the New Crowned Hope masonic lodge to which Mozart belonged. (Nov.)