Read Mozart (Not Just His Notes)

A biography to be reckoned with by a historian who rivals the best. I have enjoyed Johnson's work before, so this book will be on my reading list!

Quick review by Doug Wilson, one of my favorite cultural commentators:

"This was a quick and enjoyable read. Mozart was a phenomenal genius, and this short book -- short just like Mozart's life -- gives a marvelous sense of that genius. For those who don't know much about Mozart's life, and don't know whether or not he was a founding member of the Dave Clark Five, this is the book for you. If you know enough about Mozart to think that joke wasn't funny, this is also a book for you."

Mozart Church Sonata 1 in Eb Major, KV 67

I played this at a December concert for the patients at Hope Lodge, the recovery housing for cancer patients from Moffit Cancer Ctr at USF.  Dr. Brian Moorhead played the clarinet in our duet, and we have a recording I should put up!  Many thanks Dr. Moorhead of the USF  School of Music faculty and the Florida Orchestra for inviting me to perform in this wonderful event, and to Lloyd Goldstein, who  is currently Artist In Residence: Certified Music Practitioner with The Arts In Medicine Program at The Moffitt Cancer Center.

*¤*.¸¸.·´¨`»FIRST BLOG ENTRY!!.·°·.»♫

For about a month, I've been ready to start this blog.  But writing the first ever post... that was daunting.  What finally made me pick today to do it?  Well...


ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:


                                     was born Mozart.

While he is probably among the top five most well known musicians and composers in Western Civilization, few people have heard of his whole name given to him on January 27th, 1756: Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart.  Johannes I understand, because everybody was named Johann, right? :) The Italianized-version of Theophilus later replaced Amadeus (meaning "lover of God"), which was a marketing trick back in the 1700's world of music.  However,  Chrysostomus, I was intrigued to discover, was chosen for this future master-musician because January 27th is the feast day of Saint John Chrysostom, the "Golden-tongued," in which people celebrate the life and accomplishments this "golden-tongued" pastor of the 4th century.  Mozart would certainly become a master communicator as well, though in a different way.

How about a little Mozart then?  This is my latest favorite of his choral works: Ave Verum Corpus K.618.

Translation

Piano Solo Sheet Music/Score

So, now, why this blog?  Well, my descriptive blurb at the side will tell you my purpose and focus:  to join a larger musical community online, provide resources, and motivate me to continue honing my musical skills and knowledge, especially as they relate to piano, for the glory of God, a goal which many of my favorite musicians strove for.

"It is a great consolation for me to remember that the Lord, to whom I had drawn near in humble and child-like faith, has suffered and died for me, and that He will look on me in love and compassion."

"Ubi caritas gaudet, ibi est festivitas."  
                                                              "Where love rejoices, there is festivity." 

John Chrysostom

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