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.

The Kolb Concerto: A Mozartian Mirage?

The Kolb Concerto: A Mozartian Mirage?

The Kolb Concerto’s dubious origin and poor musical quality expose yet another myth in the Mozartian canon. If this is the work of a genius, then perhaps we’ve been fooled for centuries.

The Adélaïde Deception: Mozart’s “Lost” Violin Concerto and the Art of Musical Forgery

The Adélaïde Deception: Mozart’s “Lost” Violin Concerto and the Art of Musical Forgery

In the early 20th century, the “discovery” of Mozart’s sixth violin concerto in Paris created a sensation. Dubbed the Adélaïde Concerto and supposedly written for Madame Adélaïde of France, it was hailed as a testament to Mozart’s genius. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this masterpiece was not the work of the child prodigy but rather a carefully orchestrated hoax by Marius Casadesus. Despite its unmasking as a forgery, the concerto continues to captivate audiences, raising questions about authenticity and the music industry’s willingness to deceive for profit.

Mozart and the Nationalist Illusion: The 1931 Festival and Its Legacy

Mozart and the Nationalist Illusion: The 1931 Festival and Its Legacy

The Salzburg Festival, far from being a mere celebration of Mozart’s genius, was born out of nationalist ambitions during a turbulent period in Austro-German history. Conceived by figures like Max Reinhardt, Heinrich Damisch, and Friedrich Gehmacher, the festival was deeply rooted in ultranationalistic ideals, transforming Mozart’s legacy into a tool for cultural dominance. The truth behind its founding has long been obscured, but the primary sources tell a different, darker story.

K.6 and K.7 Sonatas: A Fabricated Genius?

K.6 and K.7 Sonatas: A Fabricated Genius?

The earliest sonatas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, K.6 and K.7, are traditionally seen as proof of his precocious genius. But as we explore the murky origins of these works, we find that they may be more a product of Leopold Mozart’s ambition than Wolfgang’s musical talent. The truth, as always, lies somewhere between the notes.

Events

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

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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.

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