Mozart’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
Groundbreaking Forensic Study Published
Introduction
The scientific and musicological communities are abuzz with the publication of a revolutionary article in the latest edition of the Journal of Forensic Document Examination.
“Unveiling a New Sophisticated Ink Analysis Technique and Digital Image Processing: A Forensic Examination of Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue”
Authored by musicologists Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta, alongside forensic expert Professor Martin W. B. Jarvis of Charles Darwin University, the article challenges long-held assumptions about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue.
JFDE volume 32, 2024
Key Findings
A Posthumous Creation
The Thematic Catalogue, traditionally attributed to Mozart and said to chronicle his works from 1784 to 1791, was likely fabricated around 1798 under the direction of Constanze Mozart, his widow.
Multiple Hands, One Forgery
Calligraphic inconsistencies reveal contributions from several individuals, imitating Mozart’s handwriting with varying success.
Ink Analysis Breakthrough
his groundbreaking discovery highlights the advancements in ink analysis and its potential applications for other historical documents. At least six different types of ink were used in the Catalogue, applied years after Mozart’s death.
Impact on Scholarship
The findings question the Catalogue’s reliability as a primary source for dating and authenticating Mozart’s works, including his final symphonies and the Clarinet Concerto.
Editorial Endorsement
Dr. Michael Pertsinakis, editor of the Journal of Forensic Document Examination, emphasized the significance of the study in the volume’s editorial.
“The papers presented in this volume showcase cutting-edge research and technological advancements in the forensic examination of handwriting materials. From innovative ink analysis techniques to the latest developments in mass spectrometry, these studies push the boundaries of our current knowledge and open new avenues for investigation.”
About the Authors
Dr. Luca Bianchini
Musicologist from the University of Pavia, Italy, specializing in historical musicology and document analysis.
Dr. Anna Trombetta
Doctor of Musicology, University of Pavia, School of Palaeography and Musical Philology, Cremona, Italy.
Professor Martin W. B. Jarvis
Forensic document examiner and board member of the Australia and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.
Request The Article
The article is available for purchase through the Journal of Forensic Document Examination.
You can find the complete issue here
Scholars, academics, and music enthusiasts are welcome to request a complimentary PDF extract for academic discussion. Please note that due to copyright restrictions, this version is shared exclusively for scholarly purposes and cannot be publicly distributed.
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Media Inquiries
For further information or to discuss the findings, please reach out to:
Dr. Luca Bianchini
luca.bianchini61@gmail.com
Dr. Anna Trombetta
anna.trombetta3@gmail.com
Professor Martin W. B. Jarvis
Martin.Jarvis@cdu.edu.au