Title: Amadeus
Author: Peter Shaffer
First published January 1, 1979
160 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060935498 (ISBN10: 0060935499)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
The classic tale of ambition, genius, and betrayal comes to life in Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus. Follow the story of devout court composer Antonio Salieri, who becomes consumed by jealousy towards his rival, the prodigious Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
As Salieri’s obsession with fame and recognition grows, he resorts to desperate measures to extinguish Mozart’s flame. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play in 1981, this full cast performance by L.A. Theatre Works features talented actors like Michael Emerson as Salieri and James Callis as Mozart.
Directed by Rosalind Ayres and recorded live at The James Bridges Theater in UCLA, this timeless masterpiece is not to be missed.
About the Author
Meet Sir Peter Levin Shaffer, a highly acclaimed English playwright who has won numerous awards for his outstanding work. His plays have been adapted into several films that have captivated audiences around the world.
For more information on this talented artist, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Sh…
Editoral Review
Peter Shaffer’s 1979 play, “Amadeus,” is a masterpiece of the stage that delves into the complex relationship between two of the most iconic composers of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Shaffer’s work offers a unique blend of historical fiction and psychological drama that explores themes of jealousy, rivalry, and the nature of genius.
Shaffer’s writing style is both poetic and profound, with a keen eye for detail that brings the world of 18th-century Vienna to life. His characters are richly drawn, with Mozart portrayed as a childlike prodigy with a genius for music, and Salieri as a deeply conflicted composer who envies Mozart’s talent and resents his success.
The play’s plot revolves around Salieri’s jealousy towards Mozart, and his subsequent efforts to undermine the young composer’s career. The tension between the two men builds steadily, with Mozart’s talent and success serving as a constant reminder of Salieri’s own limitations.
As the story progresses, Salieri’s jealousy turns to obsession, and he becomes increasingly desperate to destroy Mozart and his reputation.
Although the play is set in the 18th century, its themes and characters remain as relevant today as they were when the play was first written. The complex relationship between genius and envy is one that resonates with audiences of all ages, and Shaffer’s exploration of this dynamic is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.
One of the strengths of “Amadeus” is its pacing, which builds slowly but steadily towards a dramatic climax. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the play’s final moments are both devastating and cathartic.
The play’s themes are also expertly woven into the plot, with each character representing a different aspect of the struggle between talent and mediocrity.
Despite its many strengths, “Amadeus” is not without its flaws. Some critics have argued that the play’s portrayal of Salieri as a villainous character is unfair, and that the play oversimplifies the complex nature of artistic genius.
Others have criticized the play’s historical accuracy, arguing that Shaffer takes too many liberties with the facts of Mozart and Salieri’s lives.
Overall, however, “Amadeus” remains a timeless classic of the stage, with a powerful message about the nature of talent and the destructive power of envy. Shaffer’s writing is both beautiful and insightful, and his characters are some of the most memorable in the history of the theater.
For fans of historical fiction, psychological drama, or simply great writing, “Amadeus” is a must-read. It’s a play that will stay with you long after the final curtain has fallen, and one that continues to resonate with audiences today.
I highly recommend it. 4.5/5.
