John Rosselli Book order

John Rosselli's biography of Vincenzo Bellini offers a thorough examination of the composer’s life, blending fact and legend to reveal his personality and relationships. It highlights Bellini's remarkable musical talents amidst his brief yet brilliant career in major cities like Naples, Milan, and Paris. The narrative presents a nuanced portrait of a seemingly ordinary young man whose exceptional gifts left a lasting impact on the world of music, complemented by 19 photographs that enhance the exploration of his life and work.

The narrative explores the life of a groundbreaking composer known for their innovative operas, which continue to captivate audiences in theaters around the world. It highlights their creative journey, significant contributions to the world of music, and enduring influence on the operatic genre. Through a blend of biography and analysis, the book celebrates the artistry and legacy of this remarkable figure in the music world.

Mozart was not only an extraordinary musical genius but a man who lived through the great change from the old society to the modern one in which we still live, when people began to move from accepting the Christian scheme of things to standing alone, from letting themselves be ruled by parents and superiors to rebelling against them. He was himself one of the 'new men' of the age; his music gives voice to anxieties and consolations that are still ours. This book, first published in 1998, sets Mozart's life within the history of an age plunging into revolution and European war. It probes his crucial relationships with his father and his wife but avoids guesswork. It studies - in depth though in non-technical language - characteristic examples of his music and asks what they can tell us about their author and ourselves.