Peter Shaffer's Amadeus

By Peter Shaffer

Book Overview

0riginating at the National Theatre of Great Britain, Amadeus was the recipient of both the Evening Standard Drama Award and the Theatre Critics Award. In the United States, the play won the coveted... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060907835
• ISBN13: 9780060907839
• Release Date: January 1980
• Publisher: Perennial Library
• Length: 97 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 5.5" x 0.5"

Customer Reviews

Goodness is nothing in the furnace of art

Shaffer illustrates an incredible conflict in Amadeus, alltogether permeated by the dark themes of jealousy, hatred, and death. Showing the apparent mutual exclusivity between intelligence and virtue, the true strength of the play lies inextricably in the character of Court Composer Salieri. It is a testement to the skill of Shaffer that I almost thought Salieri's motive as evil, but perhaps justified. In him I saw myself, striking out at God for his cruelty, for his preferential and exclusive love. Not only the writing but the stage directions are done incredibly well. Everything is as it should be, not a song at an inappropriate time, not a note misplaced. The character of Mozart is best embodied in the performance of Don Giovanni, where Shaffer describes him as "quailing" before the dark and demanding figure of his father. This is a masterpiece of pain and jealousy, timeless and impenetrable plagues of humanity.

A Play Worth Reading

The book shows the relationship between Salieri, God, and Mozart, the talented musician. Even though the plot is mostly fictional, it shows really nicely how cruel a vow with God can be if one is so grim to get his own success. It's interesting, how this play is connected with true facts, which you only understand knowing a bit of the real history of Mozart.We really liked the play, because it's thrilling and shows some important psychological aspects. Especially the relation between Mozart and his father is quite interesting. It's worth reading, we really do recommend this great play.

The Play's The Thing

I first saw this play during its original run on Broadway. I went to see it with my college drama class. I had no idea what to expect. The amazing Ian McKellen played Salieri, and from the moment the play began until the final curtain, I was mesmerized. I skipped the other play we had tickets for and went back to see "Amadeus" again in "standing room". The play is wonderful, yes. But I truly think its ultimate success depends upon the actors playing the roles of Salieri and Mozart. I think the original Broadway cast was a once-in-a-lifetime group, but I'm looking forward to the upcoming Broadway revival. Read the play, and then go see it come to life!

Better than the movie

This play from which the movie was made (with the screenplay by Mr. Shaffer) is "bold and brilliant". Shaffer, though playing on a legend, creates a wonderful chilling modern play with hints of humor (as any good drama has). It is a wonderful read and an experience to see performed.