the deconstruction of a myth

MozartrazoM

Mozart in Reverse

In the introduction to Mozart’s biography, penned by Constanze Mozart’s second husband, Nissen, it is surprisingly asserted that it’s preferable to conceal the truth, lest Mozart’s image be tarnished.

One does not want, nor can one publicly show their hero as he presented himself in the shadow of privacy; if he could be questioned, he himself would hardly admit it. He was and remains the master of his words, which he could have left unwritten and which he only wrote for the person with whom he wanted to confide. He had weaknesses, shortcomings, which he partly improved later and which one will not have the occasion to reveal. Through the whole truth, his fame, his esteem, and the impression of his works may be damaged.

Georg Nikolaus Nissen

Ultimately, we don’t believe in hiding the truth, and so we let the primary sources speak.

Who We Are

MozartrazoM is a project by musicologists Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta.

The site aims to challenge the traditional narratives surrounding Mozart and his family, offering a critical and often controversial perspective that contrasts with the mainstream glorification of the composer.

In addition, these pages also host some of the finest musicological and critical contributions from other authors who refuse to tell fairy tales and are dedicated to seeking the truth by rigorously investigating the sources.

Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta delivered lectures on Mozart and the relationship between words and music in the 18th century at Bocconi University in Milan.

L.Bianchini & A.Trombetta

Our Books

With a meticulous approach, these books delve deep into investigation, rejecting hearsay. Sources are meticulously verified and critically examined, particularly primary sources, which undergo rigorous scrutiny and evaluation.

Cover image of the book Mozart in Italy by Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta. Below the title, a carriage is depicted with two people who have disembarked and are approaching an inn

Latest Articles

Explore the flaws, contradictions, and lesser-known truths behind one of history’s most celebrated composers.

Unveiling the Truth Behind Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue

Unveiling the Truth Behind Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue

Anna Trombetta, Professor Martin W. B. Jarvis from Charles Darwin University, and Luca Bianchini, have published a peer-reviewed article titled Unveiling a New Sophisticated Ink Analysis Technique, and Digital Image Processing: A Forensic Examination of Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue. This research, which underwent an extensive double-blind peer review, has appeared in a journal that serves as a global reference point for forensic document examiners and court specialists.

The Deceptive Nature of Mozart’s Catalogue

The Deceptive Nature of Mozart’s Catalogue

The Thematic Catalogue traditionally credited to Mozart is fraught with inaccuracies, suggesting that many of his famous works might not be his at all. This prompts a necessary reevaluation of Mozart’s legacy and the authenticity of his compositions.

From London to Vienna

From London to Vienna

The Mozart family’s journey from London to Vienna was marked by illness, failed opportunities, and the relentless ambition of Leopold Mozart, revealing the pressures and challenges behind the facade of success.

The Ambiguous Legacy of Leopold Mozart

The Ambiguous Legacy of Leopold Mozart

This post explores the multifaceted and often controversial life of Leopold Mozart, providing insight into the complexities and contradictions that defined his career and legacy.

Mozart’s Illusory Triumphs

Mozart’s Illusory Triumphs

The story of the young Mozart’s so-called triumphs at the courts of Europe is a tale riddled with embellishments, half-truths, and fabrications—many courtesy of Leopold Mozart himself and those who later sought to mythologize his son. One such example is the visit to Munich on 12 January 1762.

The Vienna Disaster

The Vienna Disaster

The failure of La Finta Semplice in Vienna was a turning point for the Mozart family, revealing the cracks in the facade of Wolfgang’s prodigious reputation and prompting a desperate escape to Italy in search of redemption.

Events

Discover the latest interviews, talks, and behind-the-scenes insights into the untold story of Mozart.

Unveiling the Truth Behind Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue

Unveiling the Truth Behind Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue

Anna Trombetta, Professor Martin W. B. Jarvis from Charles Darwin University, and Luca Bianchini, have published a peer-reviewed article titled Unveiling a New Sophisticated Ink Analysis Technique, and Digital Image Processing: A Forensic Examination of Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue. This research, which underwent an extensive double-blind peer review, has appeared in a journal that serves as a global reference point for forensic document examiners and court specialists.

Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue Exposed as a Forgery

Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue Exposed as a Forgery

A groundbreaking forensic analysis reveals that Mozart’s thematic catalogue, long thought to be his own work, is a posthumous forgery. This discovery, detailed in Mozart: The Construction of a Genius, turns centuries of Mozart scholarship on its head, demanding a re-examination of his legacy.

The Mozart Question

The Mozart Question

In this revealing interview, we delve into the lesser-known aspects of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life, challenging the long-standing myth of his genius. A Swedish journalist explores how Mozart’s legacy has been shaped and manipulated over time, shedding light on the crucial role played by his father, Leopold, in crafting the career of the famed composer.

International Traetta Award

International Traetta Award

We are thrilled to announce that the 14th International Traetta Award has been bestowed upon Anna Trombetta and Luca Bianchini. This prestigious recognition honours their outstanding dedication to musicological research on primary sources of the European musical repertoire, offering significant contributions to reshaping the historiography of 18th-century music.

The Return of Gatti’s Aria

The Return of Gatti’s Aria

In the magnificent Max Joseph Hall of the Residenz München, tenor Daniel Behle performed the aria “Puoi vantar le tue ritorte” by Luigi Gatti, taken from his opera Nitteti. This concertante piece, for which we composed the cadenzas, was brought to life by the Salzburger Hofmusik orchestra under the direction of Wolfgang Brunner.

Quirino Gasparini’s Music Performed for the First Time

Quirino Gasparini’s Music Performed for the First Time

For the first time in modern history, Quirino Gasparini’s music has been performed. This concert, featuring arias from Mitridate and Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, was conducted by Maestro Leonardo Muzii, with soprano Anastasiia Petrova.

Teaching Mozart at Bocconi University

Teaching Mozart at Bocconi University

We delivered a four-hour lecture on Mozart at Bocconi University, showcasing unpublished music by Gasparini, Gatti, and Tozzi while comparing textual and musical treatment with Mozart’s works. Unseen variants from Le Nozze di Figaro were also revealed.

In the Spotlight

Are you ready to meet the real Mozart? Our videos, like our posts, will take you on a journey of discovery
into his life and works, without censorship or idealisation.

#4 The Golden Spur

#4 The Golden Spur

While often portrayed as a prestigious award, the Golden Spur (Speron d’Oro) granted to Mozart in 1770 was far from a reflection of his musical genius. In this article, we delve into the true story behind this now-forgotten honour, its loss of value, and the role of Leopold Mozart’s ambitions in securing it.

#3 Leopold Mozart’s Literary Theft

#3 Leopold Mozart’s Literary Theft

Hidden within the Mozarteum’s archives lies a poem that has long been hailed as a tribute to the young Mozart children. But behind this innocent façade is a story of deception, literary theft, and one father’s ambition to rewrite history.

#2 The Hidden Truth of Mozart’s Education

#2 The Hidden Truth of Mozart’s Education

In this video, we uncover the hidden truth behind Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s early education and challenge the long-held belief in his effortless genius. While history often celebrates Mozart as a child prodigy, effortlessly composing music from a young age, the reality is far more complex.

#1 A Man of Cunning

#1 A Man of Cunning

In the end, Leopold Mozart’s life was a testament to survival in a world where his talents were often overshadowed by those of his more gifted contemporaries and his own son. While his “Violinschule” remains a notable contribution to music pedagogy, it is clear that Leopold’s legacy is as much about his ability to navigate the challenges of his time as it is about his musical achievements. His story is one of ambition, adaptation, and the lengths to which one man would go to secure his place in history, even if that place was built on borrowed foundations.
@MozartrazoM

What Experts Say

* By submitting this form, you agree to the processing of your personal data as described in our Privacy Policy