Paper Example on the Rivalry of Amadeus: Exploring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart & Antonio Salieri

Introduction

Amadeus is a play that was composed by Peter Shaffer. It revolves around the rivalry of Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who is the main character in the play. The two are talented composers and musicians. However, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is more talented, and Antonio Salieri feels threatened by his colleague's impeccable abilities. As a result, he plots to kill him as he reveals in the play. This paper describes the plot, two scenes, and personal thoughts of the play, Amadeus.

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Three Characters in the Play

Three of the major characters in the play Amadeus, are Antonio Salieri, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Caterina Cavalieri. Antonio Salieri is the main character, and the majority of the play revolves around him (Schonberg, 1981). He is also considered the villain in the play since he confesses killing his rival, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, out of jealousy. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is also a main character in Amadeus. He is a talented composer and musician whose prowess makes Antonio Salieri jealous. Caterina Cavalieri is a student of Antonio Salieri. She is a talented musician who eventually becomes famous. Her beauty and charm attract both Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. She plays a significant role in fueling the rivalry between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Salieri becomes furious when Mozart marries her. Catherina is one of the reasons that drove Antonio Salieri to kill Mozart.

Description of the First Scene

The first scene in Act One is titled "Salieri's Apartments." The stage is set on a blue and green background. There are a fortepiano and a table with a cloth bearing floral prints. There are different types of fruits that have been set on the table. Two chandeliers hang on the ceiling of the room. An old man sits in a wheelchair while a man and a woman standing behind him on opposite sides. The characters in this scene are Antonio Salieri, Teresa Salieri, Caterina Cavalieri, and Venticello 1 and 2. Antonio Salieri is old and sickly. He is wearing a black dressing lobe. Teressa Salieri seems reserved. She is wearing an elegant bodice. Caterina Cavalieri is charming and has a beautiful voice. Both Venticello one and two are dressed in long cloaks with stilettos. "Leave me, both of you! Tonight I do not go to be at all!" These are the words of Antonio Salieri to his servants, the Valet and The Cook. He is instructing them to leave him for that particular night because he did not require their services. The servants are stunned by the orders of their master as their bodily expression portrays surprise. Antonio Salieri confesses that he had never given such a request to the servants in the past. This confession explains why they were surprised when he told them to leave him.

Description of the Second Scene

The first scene of Act Two, named "Salieri's Salon," is set in the same blue and green background as the scene in Act One. There are two chairs with a stand next to them. The stand bears a table cloth with floral patterns, and there are some utensils placed on it. There is a fortepiano at the far end of the room. Three characters in this scene are Antonio Salieri, Constanze Weber, and Caterina Cavalieri. Antonio Salieri is young and proud. He wears an elegant cloak. Constanze Weber is daring as portrayed in her ability to flirt with Antonia Salieri to get what she wants. She also wears a stylish red bodice. Caterina Cavalieri is beautiful and wears a beautiful white gown. "Your manuscripts are there. Please take them and go." These are the words of Antonio Salieri to Constanze Weber. She commands her to leave his office in response to her unwelcome habit of flirting with him. Constanze is offended by Salieri's rejection. She reacts angrily and violently by abusing him and also trying to hit him unsuccessfully.

Overall Reaction to the Play

Amadeus is one of the few plays that I enjoyed. Very often, I find plays uninteresting because of their limited setting and inclusion of many characters, making them complicated. However, I found Amadeus intriguing on multiple counts. The plot is creative and revolves around an interesting story. The setting of the play in ancient times is also fantastic. It is terrific to watch typical characteristics of contemporary society such as jealousy, rivalry, and unfair completion in a traditional setting. The clothing, scenery, and the character's narrations shed insight into an ancient culture that I am not accustomed to. I must also say that I found the prowess of the actors intriguing. Their actions and tones represented their role effectively and also communicated their message to the audience in an effective manner. For instance, it is commendable how Antonio Salieri transitions from one scene to another throughout the play. One moment he was sickly and guilty while the next he is a proud, elegant, and determined young man. I would watch Amadeus over and over again.

References

Amadeus Part 1. (n.d). Retrieved from:https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/956951/uiconf_id/38285871/entry_id/1_rcewtx57/embed/dynamicAmadeus Part 2. (n.d). Retrieved from: https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/956951/uiconf_id/38285871/entry_id/1_ve5sz367/embed/dynamic)

Shonberg, H. (1981). The villain of Amadeus in real life. Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/01/theater/the-villian-of-amadeus-in-real-life.html