Antonio Salieri

Antonio Salieri (sahl-YEHR-ee) is portrayed as a court composer, later becoming the Imperial Kappellmeister under Joseph II, the emperor of Austria. His life is a testament to his dedication to God, through which he gains both fame and the emperor’s favor. Salieri is part of an influential Italian clique that dominates the cultural scene at court. However, his world is upended by the arrival of Mozart, the prodigious Austrian composer, whose talent Salieri cannot deny. Overwhelmed by jealousy, Salieri schemes to thwart Mozart’s career, ultimately confessing to having murdered him and attempting suicide in a fit of madness. Salieri embodies the parable of envy, serving as a satanic figure—proud, vain, yet humiliated by Mozart. Throughout the play, he frequently addresses the audience, seeking their understanding and support, and eventually appoints himself as the "Patron Saint of Mediocrities," offering absolution for their failures.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (VOHLF-gahng ah-mah-DAY-ews MOHT-zahrt) is depicted as a musical genius, yet crude, vulgar, and lacking tact. He is egotistical, displaying no humility regarding his talent. In the treacherous world of court politics, Mozart remains oblivious and tactless, openly expressing disdain for the Italian musicians, including Salieri. His naivety leaves him vulnerable to Salieri, whom he fails to identify as an adversary. Despite his genius, Mozart becomes the drama’s victim—innocent and ultimately undone by the political machinations surrounding him.

Constanze Weber

Constanze Weber, later known as Constanze Mozart, is the daughter of Mozart’s landlady and eventually becomes his wife. She is portrayed as well-meaning, innocent, and tolerant of Mozart’s eccentricities, yet she shares his coarseness. Constanze drives a wedge between Mozart and his father, Leopold, resulting in a strained relationship until Leopold's death in Salzburg. In desperate times, she visits Salieri to sell Mozart's compositions for financial support, though she later becomes suspicious of Salieri’s intentions. Constanze remains devoted to Mozart, yet fails to prevent his downfall. After his death, she retires to Salzburg, becoming the "Keeper of his Shrine" and presenting herself as a bastion of virtue.

Joseph II

Joseph II, the emperor of Austria and brother of Marie Antoinette, serves as Mozart’s patron. Despite his love for music, his intellectual mediocrity prevents him from truly appreciating Mozart’s genius. Influenced by Salieri and others at court, Joseph consistently holds Mozart back, appointing him as Gluck's successor at a fraction of the salary, and often favoring Salieri’s compositions over Mozart’s.

Baron Gottfried Van Swieten

Baron Gottfried Van Swieten (GOT-freed fan SWEE-tehn) is the prefect of the Imperial Library and a devoted Freemason. Known as "Lord Fugue," he supports Mozart after his initiation into the Masonic brotherhood. Despite his assistance, Van Swieten is alienated when Mozart incorporates Masonic rituals into The Magic Flute, as suggested by Salieri. This betrayal results in Van Swieten withdrawing support, paying only for Mozart’s pauper's funeral and ensuring his burial in an unmarked grave.

Count Johann von Strack

Count Johann von Strack (YOH-hahn fon SHTRAK) is the royal chamberlain and an advisor in musical matters. He is depicted as rigid and formal, delivering the emperor’s commission to Mozart for a German comic opera, further alienating the Italian faction at court.

Count Franz Orsini-Rosenberg

Count Franz Orsini-Rosenberg heads the Imperial Opera and aligns with the Italian faction. Critical of non-Italian opera, he deems Mozart’s work excessive, with "too many notes," and harbors a deep-seated prejudice against prodigies like Mozart.

The “Venticelli”

The “Venticelli” (VEHN-tee-CHEH-lee), or "Little Winds," serve as the play’s chorus, dispensing gossip and rumor. They maintain a rapid dialogue, reflecting the urgency of their information, and provide Salieri—and the audience—with insights into the unfolding drama. Their...