The restored third act was bold, brilliant. The fourth... was astounding.
Read more Antonio Salieri QuotesFrom: Amadeus
Sire, only opera can do this. In a play if more than one person speaks at the same time, it's just noise, no one can understand a word. But with opera, with music... with music you can have twenty individuals all talking at the same time, and it's not noise, it's a perfect harmony!
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Nine performances! Nine, that's all it's had! And withdrawn!Antonio Salieri: I know, I know, it's outrageous. Still, if the public doesn't like one's work, one has to accept the fact gracefully.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: But what is it that they don't like?Antonio Salieri: I can speak for the Emperor. You make too many demands on the royal ear. The poor man can't concentrate for more than an hour... you gave him four.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: What did you think of it yourself? Did you like it at all?Antonio Salieri: I thought it was marvelous.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Of course! It's the best opera yet written, I know it... why didn't they come?Antonio Salieri: I think you overestimate our dear Viennese, my friend. You know you didn't even give them a good bang at the end of songs, to let them know when to clap?Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: I know, I know... maybe you should give me some lessons in that.
I will speak for you, Father. I speak for all mediocrities in the world. I am their champion. I am their patron saint.