Mozart's adult life was an almost unbroken succession of artistic triumphs and personal disappointments. This collection of excerpts from his letters and from other writings offers a unique opportunity for firsthand insights into the great composer's life and personality.

In his own words (as compiled by Friedrich Kerst and translated into English by Henry Edward Krehbiel), Mozart communicates his optimisms and anticipations, his recurrent hopes for a post with a fixed income and suitable pre...