Amadeus (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Peter Shaffer
- First Published: 1980
- Type of Work: Play
- Type of Plot: Fantasy
- Time of Work: 1781-1823
- Setting: Vienna, Austria
- Genres: Drama, Psychological drama, Biographical drama, History play
- Subjects: Values, Murder or homicide, Music or musicians, God, Jealousy, envy, or resentment, Eighteenth century, Seventeenth century, Christianity, Kings, queens, or royalty, Composers, Austria or Austrians, Biography, Exceptional or gifted children or prodigies
- Locales: Vienna, Austria
Characters Discussed
Antonio Salieri (sahl-YEHR- ee), a court composer and later Imperial Kappellmeister to Joseph II, emperor of Austria. He has dedicated his life and his talents to the greater honor and glory of God and has obtained fame, reputation, and the emperor’s favor. Salieri belongs to a clique of Italians who have culturally colonized the court. His composure is shaken when Mozart, an upstart Austrian prodigy from Salzburg, comes to Vienna and makes a favorable impression on the emperor. Although he never questions Mozart’s talent, Salieri becomes insanely...
[The entire page is 777 words long]
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