Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Assignment 1; Article Review
In the article “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart” by Dietrich von Hildebrand, the main ideas are how Mozart's music should be evaluated, how composers of different genres have to be appreciated separately but equally, and the profound impact this composer's work has had in music. This author holds the view that instead of using what is known about Mozart's life to frame opinions of his music, the music should be allowed to speak for itself. When evaluating something, one always has preconceived ideas and biases that affect how they interpret a piece of music, a painting, or any other work of art. The author makes the point that the “spirit” of the work which can be clearly heard will speak more accurately as to who this man was than simply knowing facts about his life. The point is also made that it is error to claim to esteem Mozart but disregard someone like Beethoven or Chopin because the music is so different. These composers are not as contradictory to each other as it might seem, as every new musical period grows and draws some from the previous; whether that means changing the old completely or borrowing from it.
Much of the article is referencing Mozart's operas and so much of the “research” is simply watching, listening to and studying the operas themselves. The operas themselves are very strong research material simply because they are direct sources and examples of Mozart's work. Other materials referenced were quotes from other great musicians/composers about Mozart. The weakest aspect of the research I would guess, is the guesswork that has to be done to draw conclusions about the intentions of the composer. When interpreting the operas some conclusions have to be drawn and different people might not agree with one person's interpretation.


Works Cited
Von Hildebrand, Dietrich, 1889-1977.; Crosby, John Henry. "Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart." Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture 7.2 (n.d.): 189-212. Project MUSE. EBSCO. Web. 26 Jan. 2011.