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.

When the Myth Collapsed

When the Myth Collapsed

Vienna exposed the myth: La Finta semplice was riddled with errors, and Wolfgang’s supposed opera genius was nothing more than Leopold’s fabrication. With their reputation in ruins, father and son turned to Italy, hoping to rewrite history.

The London Notebook and the Vienna Disaster

The London Notebook and the Vienna Disaster

Far from the myth of a flawless young genius, Mozart’s London Notebook reveals musical struggles and guided exercises, while the Vienna opera disaster proved that his father played a far greater role in his compositions than legend would have us believe.

Versailles, Vanity, and the Pursuit of Prestige

Versailles, Vanity, and the Pursuit of Prestige

Leopold Mozart’s letters transformed his son’s European tour into a carefully staged fantasy—filled with exaggerated encounters, fabricated royal admiration, and a relentless pursuit of social prestige. But how much of it was real?

The Fabricated Childhood of Mozart

The Fabricated Childhood of Mozart

The legend of young Mozart’s divine genius crumbles under scrutiny, revealing a childhood dictated by Leopold’s ambition, carefully constructed myths, and a relentless pursuit of fame at the expense of genuine artistic education.

The Man Behind the Myth

The Man Behind the Myth

Leopold Mozart’s legacy has been shaped by myths and hagiographies, but his letters reveal a man more concerned with financial gain and self-promotion than artistic integrity. Was he truly a devoted father, or simply an opportunist?

Constanze vs. The Catholic Church

Constanze vs. The Catholic Church

For over two centuries, scholars have debated the circumstances surrounding Mozart’s burial. Constanze Mozart’s supposed inability to mark his grave, the confrontation with the Catholic Church over funeral masses, and the baffling disappearance of Mozart’s body all contribute to a mystery stranger than fiction. Did a powerful group keep her silent? And what really happened to Mozart’s remains?

Events

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

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.

Modern Premieres at Bayreuth

Modern Premieres at Bayreuth

The modern premieres of Antonio Tozzi, Luigi Gatti, and Tommaso Traetta’s works at Bayreuth brought long-overlooked Italian composers back into the spotlight. These performances, transcribed and revised by Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta, have restored the place of these remarkable composers in music history.

Luchesi’s Concerto Revived at Milan’s Sala Verdi

Luchesi’s Concerto Revived at Milan’s Sala Verdi

A standing ovation followed the performance of our revised edition of Luchesi’s Concerto in F for piano and strings at the Sala Verdi in Milan, conducted by Maestro Giorgio Rodolfo Marini and performed by the Insubria Chamber Orchestra.

A Modern Premiere in Germany

A Modern Premiere in Germany

Giovanni Pacini’s Medea, revised by Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta, made its modern premiere in Germany at the Theater für Niedersachsen. This monumental work was performed in full, marking a triumphant revival of Pacini’s forgotten genius.

Mozart Unveiled on Radio Vaticana

Mozart Unveiled on Radio Vaticana

Experience the power of critical musicology as Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta present their groundbreaking insights on Mozart’s legacy on the prestigious Radio Vaticana. Each episode unveils secrets and challenges the myths surrounding this celebrated composer.

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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