Mozart en de anderen

The author's profound passion for music shines through in this book, making his commentary infectious and stimulating for many readers. His characteristic wit, sharp criticism, and engaging writing style are highly appreciated, with some finding specific sections, such as an "ode to Mozart," particularly delightful and valuable. The book offers many interesting facts about various composers and provides opportunities to discover lesser-known musical pieces. Some even find the author's occasional "kicking against things" entertaining, even if his views are already familiar.

However, a significant criticism revolves around the excessive use of technical enumerations, such as register or catalog numbers, especially in the first half of the book. While these may be logical for music experts, many readers find them unhelpful and distracting. This high level of technical detail, combined with the author's deep musical expertise, leads to questions about the intended audience, as some feel the book might not offer much new for seasoned musicologists, while casual readers could be overwhelmed. The author's opinions are also noted as quite subjective, and his well-known criticisms of certain music genres are sometimes perceived as short-sighted and repetitive. Specific omissions of popular composers were also a point of disappointment for some.

Ultimately, this book is best understood not as a traditional narrative to be read cover-to-cover, but rather as a "workbook" or companion guide for musical exploration. It is highly recommended for readers who wish to actively engage with classical music, particularly the works of composers like Mozart, by listening to pieces while reading the author's passionate and insightful comments. This approach can lead to discovering new musical gems and deepening one's appreciation. It would appeal to those who enjoy the author's distinctive voice and critical perspective, and who are willing to use the book as a tool for active musical discovery.