Robert W. Gutman (1925–2016)

Astonishing not only in itself and for what was achieved in its tragically short span, Mozart's life was lived in the years that were central in forming the cultural composition of the modern era. Gutman sees the 18th century as beginning and ending with two great but fundamentally different musical dynasties in place, bridged by Mozart's phenomenal genius. This biography has at its core the premise that to illuminate the life and its works, one must understand first and foremost its cultural context. Accordingly, Gutman acts as our guide on a grand tour of the political, religious, social, economic and musical elements that define the 18th century, all the while at pains to keep the intimate story of Mozart's life firmly in sight.… (meer)