Focusing on Mozart's operas, the book explores his journey from initial concept to final performance, highlighting his significant contributions as an operatic composer. It delves into the creative process behind his works, offering insights into the themes, characters, and musical innovations that defined his operatic legacy.
Empress Marie Therese, second wife of Emperor Franz II, devoted much of her life to music. She played piano and sang, compiled a large music library and supported professional musicians and composers. This comprehensive survey of the Empress as musician and patron is based upon John Rice's discovery and analysis of extensive unpublished material from her private collection. In this work Rice introduces readers to the musical and cultural worlds of the Viennese court at the end of the eighteenth century
Focusing on Antonio Salieri's life beyond the envy portrayed in "Amadeus," this well-illustrated book by John A. Rice reveals the composer’s significant contributions to music and his complex personal history. It challenges the popular stereotype, providing a deeper understanding of Salieri's artistic achievements and relationships within the musical landscape of his time.