Mozart's Last Aria

Mozart's Last Aria
by Matt Rees

Published November 1, 2011
303 Pages


The news arrives in a letter to his sister, Nannerl, in December 1791. But the message carries more than word of Nannerl's brother's demise. Two months earlier, Mozart confided to his wife that his life was rapidly drawing to a close . . . and that he knew he had been poisoned.
In Vienna to pay her final respects, Nannerl soon finds herself ensnared in a web of suspicion and intrigue--as the actions of jealous lovers, sinister creditors, rival composers, and Mozart's Masonic brothers suggest that dark secrets hastened the genius to his grave. As Nannerl digs deeper into the mystery surrounding her brother's passing, Mozart's black fate threatens to overtake her as well.
Transporting readers to the salons and concert halls of eighteenth-century Austria, "Mozart's Last Aria" is a magnificent historical mystery that pulls back the curtain on a world of soaring music, burning passion, and powerful secrets.

* * *
I loved that this book was written as Nannerl's story. The peek into the "forgotten Mozart" was wonderful.

One of my favorite things about this book was the way the feeling of performing was done. As a musician, I know when this has been portrayed horribly. This book completely nailed it.

The mystery was engrossing and very well researched. Mozart's death could have happened the way it was portrayed here. Of course, I admit, I know a fair amount about Mozart, and I've read quite a lot about the Freemasons, although I don't claim to be an expert.

I wondered if reading a novel about Mozart would frustrate me. It didn't. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommend it!

(Oh, yeah: seriously cover love!)

4/5 stars