Hugh Ottaway (1925–1979)

If,like me, one has an enjoyment of classical music but, no pretence to an in depth understanding, then this is an excellent biography. Hugh Ottaway makes it very clear in the opening paragraphs of this book that, that is exactly the audience at whom it is aimed and I believe he has done an amazing job. Whilst I have admitted to not being a member of the musical cognoscenti, I abhor being patronized: this leaves any book upon the subject walking a very fine line indeed! Mr Ottaway strolls it with ease. I never felt talked down unto and believe that I understood his analysis.
Wolfgang is a fascinating chap: he was pushed to fame by his already renowned father, Leopold Mozart. In Wolfgang's youth, he was trailed around as, what would in later days become known as a music hall act. He would be presented by his audience with a piece of music that the young lad (starting at five years old) played by sight.
Leopold had rather more grandiose plans for his son. He saw Wolfgang as becoming one of the most famous kapellmeisters of all time but, due to a combination of bad luck and arrogance towards men of standing, this was not to be. When Wolfgang died, he was buried in little more than a pauper's grave and was only saved the ignominy of being unable to clear his debts by the grace of a benefit concert. He may have failed in the fiscal stakes but at least, after a slump in popularity quite possibly due to his overt masonic connections, his brilliance has been held in stead.… (mehr)