the deconstruction of a myth
Mozart in Reverse
0009-0003-4067-9222In the introduction to Mozart’s biography, penned by Constanze Mozart’s second husband, Nissen, it is surprisingly asserted that it’s preferable to conceal the truth, lest Mozart’s image be tarnished.
One does not want, nor can one publicly show their hero as he presented himself in the shadow of privacy; if he could be questioned, he himself would hardly admit it. He was and remains the master of his words, which he could have left unwritten and which he only wrote for the person with whom he wanted to confide. He had weaknesses, shortcomings, which he partly improved later and which one will not have the occasion to reveal. Through the whole truth, his fame, his esteem, and the impression of his works may be damaged.
Ultimately, we don’t believe in hiding the truth, and so we let the primary sources speak.
Who We Are
MozartrazoM is a project by musicologists Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta.
The site aims to challenge the traditional narratives surrounding Mozart and his family, offering a critical and often controversial perspective that contrasts with the mainstream glorification of the composer.
In addition, these pages also host some of the finest musicological and critical contributions from other authors who refuse to tell fairy tales and are dedicated to seeking the truth by rigorously investigating the sources.
L.Bianchini & A.Trombetta
Our Books
With a meticulous approach, these books delve deep into investigation, rejecting hearsay. Sources are meticulously verified and critically examined, particularly primary sources, which undergo rigorous scrutiny and evaluation.
Latest Articles
Selected Research Papers on Mozart
Documentation of Academic Reception and Peer Review of “Mozart. The Fall of the Gods”University adoptions, peer-reviewed evaluations, and the academic debate surrounding Mozart. La caduta degli dei.
(2017–2018, with materials from Ca’ Foscari and Philomusica)
Enlightenment on the Edge: Mozart, Goethe, Mayr, and the IlluminatiNew discoveries on Mozart, Goethe, Mayr, and musical Enlightenment, with a focus on secret societies and cultural propaganda.
(Including The Magic Flute, Enlightenment literature and music)
Mozart’s So-Called Thematic Catalogue: Forensic Evidence of a Posthumous ForgeryForensic and historical analysis of Mozart’s so-called thematic catalogue: documentary evidence, ink studies, and handwriting comparison.
(Full research version – as referenced in IGS2023 proceedings)
A Questionable Catalogue — Poster (IGS2023, Évora)Visual summary and methodology of the forensic analysis of Mozart’s Verzeichnüss aller meiner Werke, presented at IGS2023.
(Poster session, Évora 2023)
A Questionable Catalogue — Extended Abstract (IGS2023, Évora)Official extended abstract, summarizing the critical study and authentication techniques on Mozart’s manuscripts.
(IGS2023, Évora – October 2023)
Blog
Explore the flaws, contradictions, and lesser-known truths behind one of history’s most celebrated composers.
Debunking the Romantic Virtuoso Image
The image of Mozart as a Romantic-era virtuoso is a misleading anachronism, fuelled by 19th-century propaganda. Wolfgang was no transcendental pianist, but a product of an era where music was more galant than heroic.
The Visit to Verona
In Verona, young Wolfgang Mozart impressed the local nobility, but the reality behind the scenes reveals a carefully managed public image, where strategic networking and curated praise played key roles in shaping his growing reputation.
Mozart’s Training
The myth of Mozart’s genius is nothing more than a carefully crafted illusion, propped up by misplaced attributions and romanticised biographies. Behind his so-called brilliance lies the reality of his father’s dominating influence and a lack of formal education.
From London to Vienna
The Mozart family’s journey from London to Vienna was marked by illness, failed opportunities, and the relentless ambition of Leopold Mozart, revealing the pressures and challenges behind the facade of success.
The Ambiguous Legacy of Leopold Mozart
This post explores the multifaceted and often controversial life of Leopold Mozart, providing insight into the complexities and contradictions that defined his career and legacy.
Mozart’s Illusory Triumphs
The story of the young Mozart’s so-called triumphs at the courts of Europe is a tale riddled with embellishments, half-truths, and fabrications—many courtesy of Leopold Mozart himself and those who later sought to mythologize his son. One such example is the visit to Munich on 12 January 1762.
Events
Discover the latest interviews, talks, and behind-the-scenes insights into the untold story of Mozart.
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In the Spotlight
Are you ready to meet the real Mozart? Our videos, like our posts, will take you on a journey of discovery
into his life and works, without censorship or idealisation.
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What Experts Say
Martin Jarvis
professor
I am delighted that our research has provided evidence to support the proposition, made by Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta, that the Thematic Catalogue is not what it purports to be; we have concluded that it is a counterfeit document.
Alberto Basso
musicologist
In this field, driven by the enthusiasm of those who explore new worlds and are aware of the uncommon value of their work, the discoverers of that score, Anna Trombetta and Luca Bianchini, embarked on a broad-ranging research journey.
Edoardo Catemario
concert artist
With Mozart: The Fall of the Gods, you have completely changed my way of thinking
Roberto Piana
professor
What a fantastic evening! I was once again impressed by the deep expertise of Luca Bianchini and Anna Trombetta, and by their remarkable ability to clarify and simplify some of the most delicate and complex aspects of the Mozart story.
Roberto Piana
professor
I consider Bianchini and Trombetta among the most skilled and courageous truth-seekers in the field.
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