"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91) - seen variously as child prodigy, musical genius, tragic Romantic artist and cultural icon - is among the most written-about of all composers. This landmark new selection of letters tells Mozart's story afresh through his correspondence. In contrast to many earlier editions, it contains not only his own, sometimes affectionate, sometimes fraught, writings to family, friends and his wife Constanze, but also many of his father Leopold's regular letters to his son and written descriptions of Mozart's dazzling court recitals. Offering a fascinating insight into his compositions, performances and opinions of fellow musicians, his marriage, his complex relationship with his father, and his occasional money worries, these letters form a revealing portrait of both the man and the musician." "Newly translated to preserve the originals' informal style, without censoring their often bawdy humour, the letters are arranged chronologically, with brief linking commentaries, to let Mozart's story speak for itself. This edition also includes an introduction discussing Mozart's life, extensive footnotes, a list of important people, chronology and further reading."--Jacket.