"Amadeus"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how, in his 1980 movie "Amadeus," Peter Shaffer took it upon himself to tackle the ambitious characterization on stage of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It looks at how "Amadeus" suggests that the young Mozart disdained not simply all musical forms, but also all societal standards of correct behavior, unlike that of his contemporary, more respected musician Antonio Salieri. It discusses how the contrast between Mozart and Salieri is that one man strives to be true to his art, while the other man cares less about art and more about bolstering his own sense of self-worth.

From the Paper:

"Mozart's sense of loyalty to art rather than institutions is shown when he openly defies the Emperor Joseph II who does not understand "The Marriage of Figaro," one of Mozart's greatest musical creations. The emperor protests that the classic comic operetta has 'too many notes,' and Mozart refuses to alter his vision to suit the needs of a powerful ruler and patron. Unlike Salieri, who is diplomatic and can easily show a false face to survive politically in the court, Mozart places loyalty to his artistic vision above all else, in contrast Salieri, who can diplomatically and skillfully navigate the world of the Viennese Court, securing patrons, but although Salieri is constantly and profoundly aware that the work he produces is not sublime, but mediocre at best because it serves the artistic demands of the times, not of the ages."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Giebert, Stefanie. "Fame." Provisional Players and the Anglo-Irish Theatre Group. 26 May 2008.http://www.anglo-iren.de/amadeus/play5.htm
• Hart, Christopher. "Equus." The Sunday Times. 4 March 2007. 26 May 2008. http://www.equustheplay.com/pr/sundaytimes_20070304.php
• "Peter Shaffer." Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2008. 26 May 2008. http://encarta.msn.com
• Shaffer, Peter. "Amadeus." New York: Harper Perennial, 1980.
• Thoma, Anne. "Shaffer's Treatment of Mozart." Provisional Players and the Anglo-Irish Theatre Group.26 May 2008. http://www.anglo-iren.de/amadeus/play3.htm

More papers on "Amadeus":

• Analytical Essay # 144375 : "Symbolism in Peter Shaffer's "Amadeus"
• Essay # 65840 : "Film Critique of "Amadeus"
• Film Review # 7235 : "Amadeus"

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