In Search of Mozart gives viewers the opportunity to learn more about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and to hear his beautiful music. It’s an absolutely gorgeous documentary! Chronicling the composer’s life through his music and extensive correspondence, director Phil Grabsky has created the most comprehensive account ever produced about this musical genius.

While doing research for In Search of Mozart, Grabsky traveled 25,000 miles, visited 10 countries and analyzed 80 compositions. Using these compositions as the springboard for his impressive film,  the savvy filmmaker presents them in a chronological order while including facts about Mozart’s life at the time he created each piece (his first composition was created at age 5!). I welcome this approach, for too many films today go overboard with flashbacks, and the story suffers.

Although music takes center stage, some of the most interesting parts of the film come from Mozart’s letters. While his correspondence is being read, we see the human being behind the music. This is a man of joy and passion -- but also someone who at times engages in bawdy humor and feels great pain. The person emerging here is a far cry from the one depicted in Amadeus, Milos Forman’s acclaimed film starring Tom Hulce. Thanks to Grabsky’s meticulous research, some of the common myths about Mozart’s relationships, health and death are debunked. “He was faithful to his wife,” Grabsky declares. And Mozart wasn’t poisoned.   

Ironically, Amadeus played a part in motivating Grabsky to make In Search of Mozart. After watching that Oscar-winning movie, he wanted to know what Mozart was really like. And so his personal journey began. Fortunately, when musicians heard about this project, many were happy to take part in it. To me, this is where In Search of Mozart shines the brightest. Grabsky showcases musicians in a very intimate way, and it’s obvious how much Mozart’s music means to them. They play his works with such feeling and passion -- then explain why in colorful and articulate descriptions of the music’s symbolism and emotional power. Particularly moving are the segments featuring violinist Janine Jensen and pianist Lang Lang. I’d love to see an entire documentary showing musicians in the way Grabsky filmed them here.         

With Juliet Stevenson’s classy narration and incredible performances by over 70 of the greatest exponents of Mozart’s music, In Search of Mozart is a feast for the ears. Adding to this tremendous aural beauty, delicious cinematography unfolds before your eyes as you travel to the European locations important to Mozart and his music. Don’t miss this one!

(Released by Seventh Art Productions; not rated by MPAA.)