In Search of Mozart: An Excellent Earful

In In Search of Mozart, director Phil Grabsky elevates a rather conventional little documentary into a major revelation.

Everyone knows young Wolfgang was a genius. The details of his life can easily be found elsewhere. So, what is the revealation?

Grabsky puts special spin on his presentation by having world class musicians and conductors show and tell us exactly what is special about Wolfgang's work.

It is hard to resist uttering a silent 'wow' as music historian Imogen Cooper gleefully tells us, while playing the opening of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9 in E Flat, how the wonder boy composer boldly, innovatively, suddenly interrupts the orchestra with his "cheeky" piano.

His cheeky piano? Now, that is something anyone would like to hear.

Other experts demonstrate how young Mozart--unlike more mature composers of his day--dared to take his compositions "to the very top" of the keyboard as it then existed (I hadn't known that the piano's keyboard has expanded by octaves since Mozart's day), and how certain little trills he injects serve as amusing, quirky comments within his compositions.

This film provides us with unique insight to Mozart's music. It enhances our ability to hear the beautiful, thrilling compositions anew.

Grabsky's take on Wolfgang's private life and affairs provides counterpoint to the tune that is played in the popular narrative feature, Amadeus, and defends the youngster against the widely accepted notion that he was a wildly spoiled, imperious brat.

But it's glorious music, music, music that makes this documentary film a must-see--and hear.