In Search of Mozart (ATOM Study Guide)

In Search of Mozart (2006) is the first detailed documentary film which brings the brilliant composer to life. It is suitable for secondary and tertiary students. Using a combination of his letters read by leading actors, hundreds of musical clips of orchestras and singers, interviews with scholars and musicians, as well as present day footage of his tours, the film celebrates Mozart's life and music.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been referred to as a child prodigy, a genius, able to play beyond his years, able to compose beyond his years, unparalleled in composition, considered extraordinary. By the time he was six years old he could play the harpsichord and violin, improvize fugues, write minuets and read music perfectly at sight.

Phil Grabsky, the producer made the film to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth in January 2006, basing it on well-founded and comprehensive research into Mozart's life.

The study guide provides comprehensive discussion points and activities to accompany the film, which includes not only opportunities to learn about Mozart and his music, but the history, social and cultural milieus and arts of his time. The film and the guide chart the 'Age of Enlightenment' in which Mozart lived and activities in the guide challenge students to consider how Enlightenment' thinking affected society and how it is represented today in our arts and culture. The guide discusses arts cultures in Australia, the US and Europe – and comparisons, as well as differences, are drawn between them.

Curriculum Links:
The film and study guide will be relevant to middle to senior secondary students in:
• The Arts; Music Appreciation, Music Performance and Music History
• English; representations
• Media studies; documentary genre