The Brother of Fire by Christian Jacq

The Brother of Fire by Christian Jacq

On New Year's Day in New Zealand Concert FM

would play the most popular pieces of music which

had been voted by the listeners. Invariably a musical

score by Mozart was in the top few favourite pieces of

music.

I remember listening to some of Mozart's music and found it

so beautiful, sublime, incredibly moving, spiritual and magical.

This was often the best.

Having read “The Brother of Fire” by Christian Jacq now gives me

more insights into the wonderful music of Mozart. As was mentioned

in the book, Mozart's music would echo through the centuries which

of course it has done.

The spiritual dimension of the music, the life and tribulations of Mozart,

his father, Leopold, his wife, Constanze, his bird, Star, and dog, Gaukerl,

his musical friends and fellow brothers of freemasonry all make for a wonderful

story in the setting of Vienna, a musically inspiring

city itself.

The story of freemasonry in this setting is also a major part of the

book. The rituals, the spiritual nature and the quest for the mysteries of

Ancient Egypt to be revealed give fascinating insights of a spiritual nature.

The dialogue, flow of conversation and story of Vienna in the eighteenth

century governed by the Emperor, Josef II are magnificent. This city was

soon to be engaged in battle with the Turks which was frightening for many

of its citizens.

I found this book to be one of the best of the Mozart series of books. There was

deep meaning to be found in the operas, “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Don

Giovanni” which gave an extra dimension to the book and understanding of

the beauty and spiritual nature of the music of Mozart. The writer has a

clear affinity with the composer and an understanding of the composer's

life, music, world and need for perfection. The music of Mozart could

transport people to new dimensions, and Mozart did like to sometimes

listen to the music of the great Johann Sebastian Bach.

For great adventure and a wonderful read I would recommend this book

“The Brother of Fire” for people with a love of the beautiful music of

Mozart. This book is historical fiction with a ring of truth about it. It is

wonderful to read.

Sandra