This article discusses the now infamous on-screen feud between Mozart and Antonio Salieri.
Who killed Amadeus?
If you remember the play, “Amadeus,” or the television event that followed in 1984, you know exactly what we’re talking about--Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s life, love, and death. This article discusses the now infamous on-screen feud between Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Did it happen? Was Salieri responsible for Mozart’s death?
“Amadeus” is loosely based on the life of Mozart and his contemporaries. Much is unknown about that time, but we do know that Antonio Salieri was a famous composer in his own right of that era. He was the court composer for King Joseph II, and had several famous students (Beethoven, Hummel, Liszt were among them). He even taught Mozart’s younger son after Mozart’s death!
Salieri and Mozart and he did have some sort of relationship, be it acquaintance or friendship. Although there are many documented tales to indicate that Salieri was viciously jealous of Mozart’s talent, and Mozart considered Salieri’s work to be somewhat “pop-music-ish,” they were still exceptionally polite to one another. Although there were rumors that Salieri was somehow involved with Mozart’s death, the Viennese did not believe them, and nor do historians. Nevertheless, the opinion persists, and many see these two men as polar enemies. How did this conception come to be?
The two men reached their primes at approximately the same time in history, and shared a mutual respect. Salieri was much more affluent and successful than Mozart while they lived, but it is Mozart who was triumphant in becoming a modern household name. Salieri was one of the few people to attend Mozart’s funeral.
After a long and fruitful career (Salieri was 75 when he died), Salieri was confined to an insane asylum for the last couple of years of his life. It was during this time that he “confessed” to killing Wolfgang Mozart. However, a person can confess to anything—that does not simply make it true. Perhaps Salieri felt guilt for a personal interaction with Mozart, one that pushed Mozart so far that Salieri started to believe he actually did kill Mozart himself.
Musicologists agree that most likely Mozart died of an infection. Salieri probably had nothing to do with it. Whatever the case, it is educational and fun to grab some popcorn and watch “Amadeus” with your family and friends. It will certainly generate discussion amongst you. If you have some extra time, have a listen to some Mozart and then Salieri as well. You will undoubtedly hear the similarities inherent in the music of the time, and you will surely add to your knowledge, in any case.
