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,

The Son of Enlightenment by Christian Jacq

Mozart and his family from wikipedia:

I enjoyed reading this book and would sing its praises to lovers of music, the theatre, classical music and the culture and life style of eighteenth century Vienna, a different world altogether.  The descriptions of the music, an opera ("The Abduction from the Seraglio") or libretti, the andantes of a quartet, sonatas, the rondo or concertos played seemed to enhance the magic of the world of Mozart
and greatly added to the sense of beauty of  the great music and story which seemed to go hand in hand.
There is a foot note on the page that the end of the movement of the six quartets  in G major where Mozart was striving to move forwards in his music without knowing whether it would one day be played in public, prefigured
a theme from "The Magic Flute."  He was working without worrying about an audience's reaction.

The mood and gathering thoughts of the musician may have been reflected in his music, perhaps even

sometimes quite subtly.

The story revolves around the world of Wolfgang Mozart, his marriage to Constance Weber, his search for freedom and a quest for inner knowledge and spiritual wisdom.  In this quest he is joined by his friend,

the Egyptian, Thamos, who helps to initiate him into the early spiritual brotherhood of the Freemasonry of

the time.  This is a wonderful historical fiction book with many elements of the

seeking of a higher spiritual plane, which is not always available to every person, but hopefully, for Mozart, success will be found  and for most of the book  he was aspiring to reach this Temple Door.

His music and compostitions were endearing to the Viennese public and Mozart was assisted in this endeavour by his many influential friends whom he met when he was staying in Vienna and helped him

on his way to a successful career with their optimism and good wishes.  The enigmatic and forever optimistic

Countess Thun was one such friend who would often invite the young Mozart to play the piano at her home and

introduce him to various members of the aristocracy.  The Emperor, Josef II, son of Maria Theresa, the Empress,

also makes an appearance and also an enquiry into the activities of the Templar Knights and is informed

that they have become more or less extant by this time.  The dialogue of the characters who appear in

the story is authentic and wonderful.   Almost as though not a note out of place.

Sheet Music of Mozart from wikipedia:

  Mozart was impressed and admired the music of Bach, which had not been around for the previous thirty years, and also admired and respected Haydn, whom he met and confided in.  Haydn was working for the Esterhazy court for many years.  Their love of music would have been a

common bond and also an understanding of music which could make the soul soar.  A spiritual sense for
the love and beauty of (perfect?) music.  The composer, Gluck, also congratulated and recognised Mozart
as a composer after the success of his opera.

Of the early life of Mozart, this book is a good start.  His ties of kinship to his father, Leopold, and the necessary approval and permission from his father for his marriage to Constance would be a reflection of the times of eighteenth century society and also of the way in which the musicians and sons were expected to obey their elders,superiors and employers.  Mozart was a little bit of a rebel for the times in that he broke away from bonds of seeming serfdom in Salzburg to set himself free and endeavour to make a successful career on his own in Vienna.

Mozart's sister, Nannerl, also featured in the story, as did his faithful dog, Miss Pimperl, who had been a  friend since his earlier days of childhood.  He was also inspired by the beautiful song of a bird, whom he
purchased and named Starr, as he was particularly grateful, one day in passing along the street, to hear the beautiful bird's song.  Starr continued to remain an inspiration for the composer and became a part of his life and family.