New Forensic Study Challenges Authenticity of Mozart's Thematic Catalogue
Groundbreaking Research Published in the Journal of Forensic Document Examination
Introduction
The international musicology and forensic science communities are buzzing with the release of a revolutionary study that questions the authenticity of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famed Thematic Catalogue.
Published in the latest edition of the Journal of Forensic Document Examination, the article suggests that the catalogue, long considered a primary source for dating and authenticating Mozart’s works, may not have been authored by the composer himself.
JFDE volume 32, 2024
Key Findings
A Posthumous Creation
The study proposes that the Thematic Catalogue was likely fabricated around 1798, seven years after Mozart’s death, under the direction of his widow, Constanze Mozart.
Multiple Contributors
Calligraphic and lexical analyses indicate that several individuals contributed to the catalogue, attempting to imitate Mozart’s handwriting with varying degrees of success.
Innovative Ink Analysis
Employing a new sophisticated ink analysis technique and digital image processing, researchers identified at least six different types of ink used in the catalogue, some applied years after Mozart’s passing.
Implications for Mozart Scholarship
“This discovery could have profound implications for the way we understand Mozart’s body of work,” says Dr. Luca Bianchini, one of the study’s authors. “If the Thematic Catalogue is not an authentic document penned by Mozart, we may need to re-evaluate the dating and attribution of many of his compositions.”
The findings call into question the reliability of the catalogue as a primary source, potentially affecting the accepted chronology of Mozart’s late works, including his final symphonies and the Clarinet Concerto.
Editorial Endorsement
Dr. Michael Pertsinakis, editor of the Journal of Forensic Document Examination, emphasizes the significance of the study:
“The papers presented in this volume showcase cutting-edge research and technological advancements in the forensic examination of handwriting materials. From innovative ink analysis techniques to the latest developments in mass spectrometry, these studies push the boundaries of our current knowledge and open new avenues for investigation.“
About the Study
Title:
“Unveiling a New Sophisticated Ink Analysis Technique and Digital Image Processing:
A Forensic Examination of Mozart’s Thematic Catalogue”
Authors
Dr. Luca Bianchini
Musicologist from the University of Pavia, Italy, specializing in historical musicology and document analysis.
Dr. Anna Trombetta
Doctor of Musicology, University of Pavia, School of Palaeography and Musical Philology, Cremona, Italy.
Professor Martin W. B. Jarvis
OAM PhD FRSA, Charles Darwin University, Board Member of the Australia and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.
Access to the Article
The full article is available for purchase through the Journal of Forensic Document Examination.
Scholars and researchers interested in obtaining a complimentary PDF extract for academic purposes are invited to request a copy. To receive a PDF extract of the article for scholarly discussion, please fill out the request form. Please note that due to copyright restrictions, this version is shared exclusively for academic purposes and cannot be publicly distributed.
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Media Inquiries
For further information, interviews, or to discuss the study's findings, please contact
Dr. Luca Bianchini
Email: luca.bianchini61@gmail.com
Dr. Anna Trombetta
Email: anna.trombetta3@gmail.com
Professor Martin W. B. Jarvis
Email: Martin.Jarvis@cdu.edu.au
Notes to Editors:
- High-resolution images and additional background information are available upon request.
- The authors are available for interviews and expert commentary on topics related to musicology, forensic document examination, and historical research methodologies.
Disclaimer:
This press release is intended for informational purposes. The findings of the study represent the views of the authors based on their research. Readers are encouraged to consult the full article and related scholarly work for a comprehensive understanding.
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