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In the forward to Mozart and His Times, Erich Schenk writes: "It has become evident . . . that the bias against biography pure and simple must be discarded, and that we would do well to bestir ourselves in this direction."

Bestir himself he did, and the result indeed is "biography pure and simple." Here, you won't find psychological analysis (or even musical analysis). What you will find is a detailed, chronological account of Mozart's brief life, from his first steps in Salzburg to the final ride to St. Marx.

Many of Mozart's acquaintances are here, in concisely drawn portraits. Each of his many tours is traced, step by step. His rebellion and marriage are described in detail, but matter-of-factly.

There are some surprising omissions. Mozart's long involvement with the freemasons, for example, is virtually overlooked.

Early on, Schenk depends almost exclusively on Leopold Mozart for information. (In fact, he sometimes seems to emulate Leopold's own dry epistolary style.) No problem here: Leopold has proven to be an accurate and shrewd observer. Mozart's own observations (especially as recorded in those self-serving letters of 1781) aren't quite so trustworthy, and Schenk's reluctance to offer any interpretation deprives the reader of some much-needed guidance.

On the other hand, that reluctance also means that Schenk doesn't fall into traps that have snared other biographers. In Mozart and His Times, you won't find myths or murder conspiracies. Just the facts.