User Reviews

Anybody who is an outright fan of the music of Wolfgang Amadeaus Mozart should see this film. This, despite a few minor flaws, is a lovingly shot,edited & directed video movie on the life of W.A. Mozart. It includes a treasure trove of Mozart's lovely music,as points of reference. It also incorporates shots of modern day Europe, as a further contrast point to the Europe of the 18th century. I guess my only fly in the ointment is the fact that it tends to gloss over certain periods of Mozart's life/career (I won't spoil it by revealing those minor flaws). This is a documentary that would work very nicely as a special on PBS during their sweeps week, or when they beg for money,as they do from time to time.

In Search of Mozart is a really poorly directed documentary that gives a straightforward if somewhat defensive biography of Mozart. Director Phil Grabsky engages in some off-putting extreme close-ups of interviewees/performers (I don't really need to get nose-hair close to them) and the 129-minute movie is unevenly paced. It spends a lot of time on the birth and sudden (if common at the time) death of Mozart's first baby, then barely mentions his father's death in passing. It does a couple of things well. The musicians and their performances are choice (except for Don Giovanni). There are certainly interpretations of Mozart's music that are far worse out there. Best of all are the musicians explaining how certain pieces work while they play select portions. The movie could have used more of this in even greater depth. A deep analysis of Piano Concerto No. 20 could have been sublime.

For someone who would like to explore Mozart's music and/or learn more about his life, this documentary will be an excellent source of both. Except for Great G minor (K.550--on the selection screen on DVD) and Clarinet Concerto in A (K.622), which we hear at the very beginning, the viewers can listen to Mozart's compositions in a chronological order mostly and hear the progression of his composition skills. And how fast he progresses! As one of the interviewees in the film says, Mozart's life and the development of his musical talent were as if they had been on the fast-forward. The documentary showcases a wide range of musical genres--sonatas, concerti, symphonies, operas, motets, string quartets, and more. World-class musicians and conductors explain the technical aspects of certain pieces and talk about the emotions they evoke. We also journey through Mozart's life following some excerpts of his and his parents' letters and video clips of the cities he visited during his lifetime.

If you are a Mozart aficionado and have been gathering any scrap of information on Mozart over the years, you won't find anything earth-shattering in the film. After all, Mozart's life has been well chronicled through his correspondence and other forms of documents. The information the documentary provides is on the conservative side. I could not help smiling when I read the producer's note at the end; that Mozart probably died of rheumatic fever and kidney failure, and that he was not poisoned. I get this feeling that Phil Grabsky doesn't approve of the portrayal of Mozart in Amadeus. Attributing Mozart's death to rheumatic fever and renal failure has been one of the main theories for decades, but what about other possibilities? Only a year or two ago, I read a newspaper article, which claimed Mozart might have died of trichinosis. The article was fascinating, but Mozart's death is one of many mysteries we will never be able to solve. For music connoisseurs, this film has a great appeal with Renée Fleming, Lang Lang, Sir Roger Norrington and others affectionately and passionately speaking of Mozart's music. And let's fact it, you don't get to hear Mozart's first compositions on keyboard or early operas often even if you listen to an all-classical format radio station. In addition, you get to hear the samples of well-known, and not so well-known pieces by Mozart.

There's a Japanese proverb on prodigies that goes like this: A prodigy (literal translation: divine child) at age ten, a whiz at fifteen, just a man at twenty and over. I suppose Mozart himself, and In Search of Mozart to a certain extent, proved that even ancient oriental wisdom can be wrong every once in a century or two.

On 14 August, Phil Grabsky's "In Search of Mozart" premiered to a New York audience with triumphant flair at the Mostly Mozart Festival, an annual occasion that hosts the world's most renowned Mozart scholars and musicians. It was well received by the Lincoln Center audience, comments echoing in the foyer with excitement and astonishment. It gave me tremendous pleasure to be in attendance at the premiere, having the opportunity to meet the director/producer who has given us the greatest representation of Mozart in film, Phil Grabsky.

Read the New York Sun review at www.nysun.com/article/37972

The roster of featured artists, scholars and compositions is nothing short of amazing. The greatest caliber of musicianship in combination with Mr. Grabsky's ability to unconventionally capture the music and narrative is an unforgettable experience. I honestly cannot say enough about the film, and I plan to endorse it to the fullest deserving capacity!

With Highest Recommendations, Sherry L. Davis (Ohio, USA)

"In Search of Mozart" is an utterly fascinating documentary which brings the brilliant, sometimes tragic, bawdy and all too human composer to life. Using a combination of his letters read evocatively by leading actors, hundreds of musical clips of orchestras and singers, interviews with scholars and musicians, as well as present day footage of the very long roads he traveled (he was on tour about 1/3 of the days of his short life), Mozart becomes as real as if he sat down to dinner with you. I had the privilege to see this film at Lincoln Center where people laughed and cried and crowded around after to buy the DVD. A film for those who know nothing about Mozart to those who have studied him all their lives.

A fine and enthralling film that gives a clear account of the nature of and explanation for Mozart's genius. His social and political contexts are not ignored, but above all, it is the music that is shown to be important. Clear points made by world-famous scholars and musicians. The narration and the off-screen actors playing the Mozarts father and son are all very good. The film is entertaining and enlightening; it is good for a general audience and for a secondary school music course. would be a well judged combination of learning and meant. It is attractive to listen to and to watch; the camera work is especially sensitive.

I thought In Search of Mozart was an outstanding documentary, not only did it feature some great musicians it also took the viewer on a journey through Mozart's life which I found insightful and comprehensive. I would loved to have seen more performances from the contributors maybe as an bonus on the DVD yet saying that the DVD is just over two hours long so its deffiently worth the money. I noticed on Director Phil Grabsky's IMDb profile that In Search of Beethoven is currently in production which i'm really looking forward to. Does anyone have any idea when it is going to be released? It would be great to see it on the big screen.

Long and flabby, with few originalities into Mozart's life, work, genius. Some primary sources -- ie the letters (all voices are good) -- illuminate the unextraordinary, loving man under the extraordinary artist, but I did not leave knowing him better than before I went in, which anyway is not well.

BAD photography.

No dramatic momentum. Most interviewees are well-meaning but dull. Sound is lush and clear but the film feels like an amateur filmmaker's labour of love.

OK, For $15 and at over three hours, and given the APPALLING low-resolution photography (shot on 1990s Handicam?), I can't recommend this film. Even on daytime TV it will be tedious.

"In Search of Mozart," is an artistic, realistic and beautiful tribute to the musical genius, Mozart during his 250th anniversary period. This film is timeless. With its marvelous cinematography, pertinent past and present-day film clips and photographs, and its live interviews and performances by famous orchestras and musicians, "In Search of Mozart" is a film classic with worldwide appeal. I was impressed by the great lengths that the director, Phil Grabsky went to seek out specific rehearsals of particular Mozart's pieces and incorporate parts of them into his film. Mr. Grabsky sought out interviews and solo performances of many music greats. Famous contemporary pianists, as Lang Lang, contributed their musical talents and knowledge to the film. Every musician and music lover should add this film to his private collection of excellent films. I would hope that Mr. Grabsky would make more doc films of this type about other famous composers as Beethovan. The film is informative and has educational purpose. As part of a music appreciation course, students could view this film. The film would be an asset to a school film library.

This stunningly shot film documents film-maker Phil Grabsky's search to find out who the real Amadeus Mozart really was. It follows his incredible journey around the world, recording almost 100 different opera and orchestral performances chronologically throughout his lifetime.

The views of Europe are beautiful, especially when complimented by the fine sounds of one of history's greatest composers. I found this film to be not only a joy to watch, but also a highly informative expose of an incredible man. The musical performances were wonderful too.

This is ideal for fans of Mozart and his work, or even just for those who would like some insight into the man behind the music.

I was recently given the DVD as a present which was a little surprising as I am not normally a fan of this type of film and would not normally choose to buy such a film , however I found it absolutely fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed it. It certainly gave me an insight into the world of Mozart. I thought the Direction & Acting was first class and it brought to life , for me the period and times of Mozart. I would recommend this film to anyone . Watching this film has given me the incentive to become a little more adventurous in my choice of subject and I will be looking to view other films of this type and by this Director.

I saw In Search of Mozart screened in LA and found that this film is a fantastic expose of Mozart, the historical period around his life, his family background and his musical career. It blows apart many myths created by the rather over commercialized Amadeus film and presents, I believe for the first time, a true picture of the great artist. Full of spectacular renditions of Mozart's work it follows his life from fledgling composer aged 8 to mature symphonic genius and opera composer. The film features many spectacular performances and interviews with prominent figures in classical music.

It delves deep into his psyche exploring his relationship with his father, wife and sister, and the impetus behind his desire to succeed. A moving, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable film for the connoisseur or novice alike narrated by the smooth charming voice of Julia Stevenson.

Of course Mozart is a fascinating subject so this doc floats by on that. But the editing is BAFFLING! The images they chose are often totally unrelated to Mozart or the place or the time they are talking about. Blurry images of modern day people walking in some unrelated city happens A LOT. Or the same blurry images of the back of a horse...close ups of modern day kids holding hands in some other modern city over VO about Salzburg ??? I was constantly, every 10 minutes totally pulled out of the story as the images were not related the subject at all!!! So weird and they also reused these crap images often-was the Budget that low???? I've never seen this before. I found myself wondering how this got past the producers and the director?! AND whoever shot this....my god....the closeup interviews were CLOSE UP!!! The poor interviewed persons hair Line was the top of the frame and their chin was the bottom of the frame. Um, why??? The filming and the editing were so weird that I started to just listen and not watch it as I really really wanted information on Mozart (as I was visitng Austria). Buuuuut....you also really really really need to LOVE opera. I'd guess 1/4-1/3 of the movie is just listening to opera. I do not appreciate opera. They don't ever reference a piece he wrote without actually playing a performance of the opera. Not a symphony, opera. So it looks cheap and you gotta love opera like a lot a lot. A lot. I watch a lot of docs. It's a cheap weird one.

Stunning. Bought the DVD but loved seeing it in the cinema more. And hearing it too. I really liked the voices used - Sam West to read Mozart was smart but Juliet Stephenson narrating added a lovely tone (and a female side to a largely male film). The thing that impresses at first is the wide variety of interviewees and performers - I loved Ronald Brautigam and also the Orchestra of the 18th century. Lang Lang is funny and endearing too. Most insightful historians were Jonathan Miller and Cliff Eisen - but it's a cracking good story well told. I'd have liked it longer but that's because sometimes the music extracts seem a bit short but there's a lot to fit in. Beautiful camera-work but best of all is the editing - what a task that must have been. Best of all: no dramatic reconstructions apart from one or two stagecoach wheels turning here and there (not really needed but no big deal). Def recommend you make the effort to see it.

Phil Grabsky's In Search of Mozart is a straightforward documentary about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart that follows a linear chronology in looking at his life and music. If you are looking for a film with a unique style or impressionistic flair, you will not find it here. What you will find, however, is gorgeous color, valuable commentary, visits to ten European capitals, and Mozart's glorious and inspired music. Reduced to a foul-mouthed clown by Peter Shaffer's fictional Amadeus, the true genius and stature of Mozart emerges in Grabsky's two-hour documentary. Narrated by British actress Juliet Stevenson, the film includes interviews with musicologists and artists, the revelation of Mozart's personal letters, and performances of eighty of his works, played with rare passion by some of the world's greatest orchestras and singers. Although I have been known to cry at movies before, rarely have there been this many tears of unadulterated joy tinged with sadness for his short life.

In Search of Mozart traces Mozart's life from his childhood in Salzburg to his death in Vienna in 1791 at the age of thirty five from rheumatic fever and kidney failure. Mozart was already a gifted pianist and composer at age five, a boy who could play the piano with amazing dexterity for one so young. By age eighteen, he had already composed twenty eight symphonies, many of which are still performed. Sensing that his son was a genius, his father Leopold, a prominent composer in his own right, took him on the road, visiting courts in Germany, Paris, Austria, and Italy hoping for a court appointment but it was not to come. The film takes us on the 25,000 mile journey along every route Mozart that followed and the cinematography is stunning, though scenes of busy contemporary European life intermixed with drawings of the eighteenth century seem jarring and out of place.

Though he had some prosperous years, Mozart struggled financially for most of his life and had considerable debts at the end. When he finally did obtain a position as a court composer in Vienna with Emperor Joseph, he earned only a middle class salary, not the wages of a nobleman. His happiest years were in Vienna from 1780-82 after his marriage to Constanze Weber, but when his first born died, followed soon after by the death of his parents, his music became more introspective, especially in the reflective slow movements of his later piano concertos and the melancholic G-minor string quintet. The high point of his music to many of course are his magnificent operas including Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute, which are shown in live operatic performances with English subtitles.

Grabsky makes it a point to state that Mozart was not poisoned, did not die a pauper, and had a faithful and loving relationship with Constanze his entire life. The film discusses Wolfgang's strained relationship with his father and his scatological letters but points out that they were written when he was very young and that the rest of his family used the same kind of base humor. Marking the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, In Search of Mozart, the first major feature-length documentary of Mozart's life, is worth going the extra step to see whether you are a fan of classical music or hip-hop. It is a stunning celebration filled with the unyielding mystery of genius. Picking up the pieces from the wreck left by Amadeus, In Search of Mozart does justice to the man and his music.

What a unique chance to see and hear so many of the worlds greatest musicians of our time from Lang Lang to Renée Fleming. The musical accompaniment to the imagery adds to our experience of watching the film as we are treated to scenes of classical music and mesmerising cinematography. Grabsky's film re-iterates the importance of Mozart's music and serves as a fantastic introduction to Mozart's life and works. Ideal viewing for new-comers to classical music or for those already familiar - there is something for everyone. A film that can't help being so accurate and well-reasoned. I have recently purchased the DVD in the UK, but so wish that I could see it on the big screen again!

From director Phil Grabsky we learn that he wanted to find out how much truth there was to the movie Amadeus. I hope he hadn't. Amadeus may be fiction, but it was a passionate, captivating and an emotionally deep film about Mozart. This highly praised documentary however is a soulless, trivial and dull recounting of Mozarts life through quotes of his letters, interlaced with comments of experts. It has no dramatic exposition, no original approach and terrible shots of modern day Salzburg, Vienna and random people on streets. There are way too many directors, opera singers and historians, who all have there say, not always too interesting and sometimes contradicting each other, who are so closely framed you instinctively withdraw from your screen. Apart from knowing the chronological order of Mozart's works, I have no better view on the man itself: it's a long enumeration of dates and facts. The only interesting footage is when musicians explain the emotional impact of Mozart's music. After which some German prof is allowed to share his platitudes again.

When Mozart dies we see a string of shots of snow on trees, that's the level of creativity Grabsky is able to produce. Ouch.

First, I apologize in advance for my English. Now, the filmmakers and professional musicians involved in this documentary doesn't seem to be aware of a little detail when they endlessly talk and fantasize: Mozart didn't write the libretto of his operas. He wrote the music. So when they started talking for like 15 minutes about how he took inspiration from the relationship with his own father to write "Idomeneo" (a Greek myth), how a character of "The Abduction from the Seraglio" is named Constanze like his girlfriend, so the story was representing their relationship, and discuss his philosophical thoughts in "The Magic Flute", I didn't know if laugh or cry. That's the most bizarre flaw of many in this documentary, which title is "In Search of Mozart". Well, you'll never gonna find him that way, my dear filmmakers.

Basically, to hide their ignorance about musical facts, what they try to say all the time is: "Look, we've got every single letter Mozart wrote, and we're gonna read it to you in a funny way, even the more intimate ones, so you don't get too bored with all this classical music". Sure, the bad thing is that's all they got. Gossip. In order to "let me know" that he was a common man. They even seem surprised at the fact he didn't have Asperger Syndrome. Right, because to be a gifted person you must have a mental disorder... what a beautiful message. By the way, I don't mind if the man died 200+ years ago, reading ALL his private letters, especially the ones he wrote to his wife about their intimacy, seems totally disrespectful and unnecessary to me. Call me a puritan, I don't care. A cheap move to gain viewers, that's what it is.

What came to my mind next watching this was: Shut up, dear musicians, conductors, opera directors and historians, and enjoy the music. And let me do the same. But no, Mozart's music alone is not enough for this people. They're so smart that they try to pretend they have found a logical explanation to it!!! So, what we've got are endless monologues of musicians explaining that Wolfgang wrote that note because his son just died, the other one because his wife was sick, and the last one because a mosquito bite him in that exact instant. For heaven's sake, how on earth could you know that??. What an ego does this people have, to pretend they can be inside of the genius head, just because they can play his music. And some of them couldn't even play a thing. Pathetic. I don't care about musician's fantasies, I wanted a musical analysis of the music itself, because in the end that's all that matters, and what makes Mozart immortal, the music. And I don't want to feel it anybody's way, I just want to listen to it. So please, shut up.

Finally, Mozart's death is told in a rush, the Requiem is poorly mentioned, as if no one would care about his last work, and so are the death of his father, and the circumstances of his own death. Oh right, the filmmakers were too busy going against the movie "Amadeus" to prove it wrong. Well, at least that movie doesn't claim to be true to facts. This, instead, claims to be a documentary, and as I've mentioned, in my opinion fails miserably. If you watch it, of course you'll enjoy the music, but don't trust everything you hear. Or do. It's up to you, but I hope this helps somehow.

Based on previous comments and critical reviews, I went to see this movie. I expected to see a well made documentary about Mozart's life, a composer I love to listen to and whose home I have visited. I was very disappointed. There was nothing new in this movie that made me sit up and take notice. You might learn a little about Mozart's life if you knew nothing, but taken as a whole, I was unimpressed with the details that were presented. You could not get emotionally involved with this genius by watching this movie. The presentation in many respects is unfortunate. Interviewees spoke in their native tongue, no translations were given. Now I know a little German, so I could understand those speakers, but the Italian, French and whatever other languages were spoken were beyond me and I'm sure to most other viewers. There was also no identification of who the interviewees were, so you could not relate to them in any way.