The Beloved of Isis by Christian Jacq

Once again Christian Jacq writes a masterpiece. Wonderful story-telling!

This story revolves around the last days of Mozart's life,

the French revolution and its impact, the freemasonry of the times and

the beauty of Mozart's music.

This book is a gem.

Unfortunately, this book also deals with the last days of Mozart.

It is beautiful in its telling. So many truths and unanswered questions.

It is an unfortunate and sad time for Mozart but there are

also many wonderful highlights with his friendships, his

wife, Constance, his children and his dog, Gaukerl.

Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute, is the culmination of

many years of enlightenment.

He composed beautiful music

which was serene and enduring for clarinet

and horn. He also composed string quartets.

He had been composing dances

for the Viennese people who liked to enjoy themselves

and dance, especially in the week-ends.

The music of Mozart endures today

and it is wonderful to read a book which gives inspiration

and shows the courage and beauty of the musician.

The book is spiritual, beautiful, truthful and gives such wonderful

insights into the dramas of the times.

A book well recommended for people who love the music of Mozart!

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

The Great Magician by Christian Jacq

The Great Magician by Christian Jacq

What a wonder was the boy Mozart,

who often did seem to play with fire

at times in his young life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Christian Jacq

of the young Mozart's life and early attempts to

establish his career.

So many difficulties he encountered but with the

presence of valuable friends and his own parents

Mozart made his way and made an impression with

his musical talent and skills.

The Great Magician was a wonderful book to read,

with great dialogue, settings and character portrayals.

It was brilliant in this respect.

The book is quite compelling reading and portrays the

early life of Mozart, his travels, disillusionments and

the difficulty of obtaining a suitable postion at a court.

Despite the setbacks in the young Mozart's life, the story

is also inspirational for meeting challenges against disparate

odds in life and Mozart does not become disillusioned or crushed

by the weight of burdens which he encounters.

The musical world of the day was competitive and wordly. He

realised towards the end of the book that his musical talents

were not going to be recognised in Paris.

His parents were guiding influences and also his friend, Thamos,

Count of Thebes, whom he had encountered from a young age. This

may have been the beginnings of an interest in the ancient ideologies

and civilizations of Egypt, hence the Freemasons in Europe at the time.

This is a fascinating and compelling story which runs parallel with the

story of Mozart in the book. The dramas and political in fighting, the joining

together of some of the various lodges, as though they are

setting a stage for something grand in the future.

The Great Magician was their hope for the future, a gifted and talented

musician who through his music would bring light to the world. His middle name

was “Gottlieb” or “Amadeus” which signified “Beloved of God.”

It is possible to relate to Mozart in the story who is a real character and not artificial, who cares

about his music, wishes to compose and exercise creative freedom, but seems to be held back

from progressing in life. This is due to many factors, including the politics of the time and also

to a certain extent, his own personal ideals.

There was much artifice at some of the courts where he was obliged to play. He felt at home amongst friends in places like Mannheim and Strasbourg, where he enjoyed the company

of other musicians. One friend, a horn player, admired Mozart's talent.

Mozart returns to Salzburg at the end of the book I of the series, The Great Magician, after

many travels in Europe.

The book would adapt well to a play on the stage with the wonderful

music and beautiful settings, especially in conjunction with the second

book of the series, “The Son of Enlightenment” by the same author,