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Salieri : rival of Mozart / Alexander Wheelock Thayer ; edited by Theodore Albrecht ; with a foreword by F. Murray Abraham.
| Author/creator | Thayer, Alexander Wheelock |
| Other author | Albrecht, Theodore, editor. |
| Other author | Abraham, F. Murray, writer of foreword. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication Info | Kansas City, MO : Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, 1989. |
| Description | xx, 202 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | Opera in the family Hapsburg -- Salieri's early years in Italy -- Apprenticeship in Vienna -- Imperial composer and kapellmeister -- Singspiel, Paris and Da Ponte -- Mozart -- Paris, Axur, and Mozart's Don Giovanni -- At the height of fame -- The deaths of Joseph II and Mozart ; Salieri's political decline -- Salieri's final two decades, physical and mental decline, and death -- Appendices. Attestation of Salieri's two attendants, 1825 ; Salieri on Gluck, 1809 ; Salieri on string playing, 1811 ; Rochlitz's meetings with Salieri, 1822 ; Rochlitz on Salieri's death, 1825 ; Anselm Huttenbrenner on Salieri, 1825. |
| Abstract | In 1863-64, the author penned what remains today the most extensive biography of Antonio Salieri in the English language. In a lively style, abounding with wit and commentary on current events, the author presents a thorough account of Salieri's life, dealing objectively with such controversial issues as his supposed "boycott" of Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, his obstruction of Mozart's desired appointment at court, his alleged poisoning of Mozart, and the delusions which Salieri suffered during his mental and physical decline in old age. Viewed against the backdrop of long-time Hapsburg patronage of Italian opera in Vienna, Salieri emerges as an industrious composer of musical comedy and drama to suit the imperial taste. For the first time he becomes a recognizable human being, a loving husband and father, a light-hearted friend, as well as a generous teacher. At the same time, however, Salieri remained politically astute, even cunning, in furthering his own career. Thayer's compelling narrative includes liberal quotes from associates who knew Salieri well, in addition to many personal reminiscences by the composer himself. This new, updated and enlarged edition also contains several appendices which Thayer was forced to omit from the original, including Salieri's essays on his teacher Gluck and on methods of string playing, as well as observations on the aged Salieri's behavior by his two male nurses. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 181-183) and index. |
| ISBN | 0932845371 (pbk.) |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk | ML410.S18 T46 1989 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |