International Traetta Award
After a 12-year hiatus, the award returns to Italy!
The Traetta Society is delighted to announce that this year’s 14th International Traetta Award (Traetta Award) has been presented to Anna Trombetta and Luca Bianchini.
Mozart: The Fall of the Gods
This book offers a fresh and critical look at the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, challenging the myths that have surrounded him for centuries. We strip away the romanticised image of the “natural genius” and delve into the contradictions within Mozart’s extensive biographies. Backed by nearly 2,000 meticulously sourced citations, this work invites readers to explore a deeper, more complex understanding of Mozart. Perfect for those who wish to question the traditional narrative, this biography is a must-read for serious music lovers and historians.
"Leopold Mozart was the real composer behind many of Wolfgang and Nannerl’s early works, shaping their success while crafting his own legacy."
Mozart: The Fall of the Gods
They are being recognised for their “passion in musicological research on primary sources of the European musical repertoire, with significant contributions to the redefinition of 18th-century music historiography.”
The Traetta Prize (Italian: Premio Traetta) is an award assigned by the Traetta Society in recognition of achievements in the rediscovery of the roots of European music. The prize, conceived and promoted by the architect Gianfranco Spada, owes its name to the composer Tommaso Traetta (1727–1779) and is awarded each year during the Traetta Week, a festival dedicated to the composer that takes place during the eight days between the day of his birth to that of his death. (30 March – 6 April)
Traetta was one of the main composers of the Neapolitan School, who despite the huge success in life for his compositions has been unjustly unrecognised, along with other composers of the time, for his contribution to classical music by the music historiography of German origin, who founded the basics of classical music mostly on Germanic authors.
The objective of the Prize is to reward people who have committed themselves in expanding the knowledge of the musical production of the eighteenth century. The Prize borrows the name of Traetta as a symbol of a large list of composers unjustly forgotten such as Leonardo Vinci, Pasquale Anfossi, Antonio Sacchini, Nicola Vaccai, Leonardo Leo, Domenico Cimarosa or Vicente Martín y Soler among others.
You May Also Like
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?
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.
Georg Nissen and the Missing Notebooks – Part II
This second part delves deeper into Georg Nissen’s scheme to expose the truth about Mozart’s death, and the roles of Constanze Mozart and her sons in keeping it buried. As new details emerge, the mystery surrounding the famous composer’s final days grows even darker, with powerful forces potentially at play.
Mozart and Salieri
Pushkin does not see Salieri as a mere mediocre. In fact, Salieri embodies the struggle of the artist, much like Michelangelo, who reaches greatness through relentless effort. Pushkin himself identifies with both Mozart and Salieri, but he emphasises that true art demands work, discipline, and sacrifice. In poisoning the Mozartian element within himself, Salieri performs a service to art, freeing it from the frivolity of effortless genius. ‘Can genius and malice coexist?’ Pushkin’s answer is complex, but in the end, Salieri’s act seems to affirm that true creation lies in the hands of those who strive.
The Fabrication of Genius
Leopold Mozart’s tireless efforts to promote his son Wolfgang as a child prodigy were rooted in manipulation, exaggeration, and a relentless drive for social success. Far from being a miraculous genius, Wolfgang was pushed into the spotlight by his father, whose grandiose claims often obscured the reality of his son’s abilities.
The Myth of Mozart
A critical examination of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life reveals a man shaped more by his father’s ambitions than by innate genius. Stripped of the myths, Mozart’s early years reflect a childhood dominated by relentless touring, inconsistent education, and a legacy built on exaggerated achievements. Discover the real story behind the legend.