The YA Book Log

THE MOZART QUESTION by Michael Morpurgo

With the opening of the movie, THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS, and the fact the Festival of Chanukah is celebrated during this season, it seems appropriate to write about this very thin book (69 pages with lots of illustrations), THE MOZART QUESTION by Michael Morpurgo.
Getting ready to interview the famous violinist, Paolo Levi, Lesley is reminded not to ask “The Mozart Question,” but she has no idea what it is. She does know Levi only plays live concerts never records his music; he never waits for applause because he believes it is not his playing but the music that should be revered; and he protects his privacy by avoiding interviews of any kind.
With a cup of mint tea and a view of a Venetian canal Lesley struggles with her fears to find the first question. It is “…if you’d mind telling me how you got started. I mean, what made you pick up a violin and play that first time?” (page 14) Mr. Levi agrees to answer her question, but requests that no other questions can be asked. The answer includes a generation before his birth, a hideous war, great friendships and loves, and a pain so deep it might never heal.
The war was World War II, the friendship and love his parents, and the pain was an orchestra in a concentration camp.
This is a special read, especially for music lovers. It reminds us of the importance of music in our everyday lives and how deeply music affects us.
I RECOMMEND THE MOZART QUESTION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS AND ANYONE INTERESTED IN HOLOCAUST STORIES.
Mrs Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services