I'm conceding defeat here. I hearby add this book to the handful of books I've given up on in my life.

To be fair, this is an audio book and the problem may be with the narrator - very nasally British voice - sounds almost like a caricature of a British butler.

The story of Mozart's life IS fascinating - but the numerous - and oven dull - details became too much to bear after 5 hours of listening. ( )

Mozart: the facts

· Born Salzburg, January 27, 1756. Gives first concert aged five, and starts composing. At six, begins European travels, playing before royalty and creating a sensation.

· 1777, seeks work in Paris, where his mother dies. Returns to Salzburg, a musician for the archbishop (ranked between the valets and the cooks).

· 1781, quarrels with the archbishop and moves to Vienna. Makes a good living by composing, performing and teaching, and can afford a carriage and servants. 1782, marries Constanze Weber.

· Writes a string of masterpieces in every musical form: sonatas, concertos, symphonies, chamber music, songs, operas and church music. Figaro first performed 1786, Don Giovanni, 1787, The Magic Flute, 1791.

· Dies December 5, 1791, aged 35, from rheumatic fever or heart failure.