We each have been blessed by God with a unique “gift” of special talent and “Mozart Gift of God” is written to inspire us to share our own gift with the world.
This beautifully illustrated book is a story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, his Catholic faith and his God-given musical talent. Capable of playing multiple musical instruments and composing several forms of music (operas, sonatas and concertos), Mozart is one of the most famous and gifted musicians who ever lived.
This book is published by Magnificat-Ignatius and Demi is the author and illustrator. Written as a biographical narrative, the reader learns about Wolfgang’s personal life, spiritual life and the special musical “gift” he shared with the world.
There are wonderful illustrations throughout the book that depict an aspect of Mozart’s life and inspire the reader’s full attention. For example, as we read about the Mozart family being Roman Catholic and how their faith played a central role in their lives, we find a drawing of the family standing at the entrance of a church that has a gold dome with angels, drawing our eyes and attention to the heavens. There also is an illustration for Mozart’s acknowledgement of God’s omnipotence and mercy with Mozart standing, looking up to a bright image of Jesus sitting in heaven with small angels below him.
The story of Mozart’s life begins with his birth in 1756. He was born in Salzburg, Austria, to Leopold and Maria. We quickly learn that at age 3 there already was a clear sign of his special musical talent. While observing his father giving music lessons to his sister, Wolfgang “mimicked his sister while she was playing on a harpsicord.” And, at age 6, he performed with his sister and father at the court of Bavaria in Munich, Germany, marking what was to become a musical performance tour throughout much of Europe.
Demi does a fantastic job of quickly connecting the reader to the relationship of Mozart and his “gift” with God. Wolfgang and his family prayed daily, regularly attended Sunday Mass, and celebrated the feast days. At age 13, Mozart wrote his first sacred music to praise God. The importance of his Catholic faith and spiritual development would continue being reflected throughout the remainder of his life and musical compositions such as Te Deum (a hymn of praise to God) and Ave Verum Corpus (in praise of the Eucharist).
Throughout his short life, Mozart composed and performed opera, symphonies and other forms of music. Though he died at the young age of 35, his music continues to inspire performers and listeners.
Demi states this book is for children of all ages, but I felt because of the terminology, it would be beneficial if an adult was present with the child to give explanations.
I enjoyed learning more about Mozart and how he followed God’s will and freely shared his “Gift of God” with the world. As Mozart states in the intro of the book, “When his will is done, I am resigned; so, I never can fail to be happy.”
John H. Dolezal is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.