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Amadeus Movie Quiz/Essay
Quiz: Answer the following questions while watching the movie, Amadeus
. 1. Where do we first see Salieri? A mental institution.
2. Who has come to see him? Why? A priest, to hear his confession.
3. Which two instruments do we see Mozart playing as a child? Violin and harpsichord.
4. What was Salieri’s position at the court in Vienna? Court composer.
5. Which two languages were the possible choices for Mozart’s first opera in Vienna? Italian and German.
6. Why was this new opera so outrageous and shocking? It was about a harem in Turkey.
7. Where was Salieri from? Salieri was from Italy.
8. When the Emperor is introduced to Mozart’s fiancée, he asks why they are not to be married yet. What reason does Mozart give? He said that he has not received all his father consent yet.
9. Who was Mozart’s wife?
Constanza Weber.
10. How does Mozart’s father defend his son’s extravagant behavior? He defends his son's extravagant behavior by blaming himself.
11. Describe the mask worn by Mozart’s father. He wore a black double-faced mask, one side of it smiling, the other side frowning.
12. Who later wore the same mask, and for what purpose?
Salieri wore the same mask to disguise himself when he asked Mozart to write a requiem for him.
13. When Salieri sees the compositions that Mozart’s wife brings in for review, what is he so surprised to see? Salieri is surprised to see that Mozart's compositions had no corrections to them because it is unusual for a composer to produce a perfect composition in the first draft, and they were all originals.
14. How does Salieri find out what is going on in Mozart’s household? Salieri finds out about Mozart's household through a servant he employed who secretly reports back to him. 15. What was the nick-name Mozart’s wife had for him? Wolfy.
16. What is a Requiem? A Requiem is musical composition with a religious nature, specifically created to offer prayers and rest to the souls of the deceased.
17. Name three things that came out of the horse’s tail when Mozart took his son to see the opera. A bottle of champagne, dove, sausage link.
18. When Constanza becomes ill, who gives her the money to go to the spa? Her mom.
19. Two people are singing on stage when Mozart is taken ill. What are they dressed as? They dressed as birds.
20. Long after his father’s death, Mozart shakes his fist at his father’s portrait one night when he is drunk. What happens immediately after he does this? Salieri showed up with the double-faced mask to ask Mozart if the work is finished.
21. Explain how Mozart was buried? Why do you think this is so? Also, do you believe he was murdered? Mozart was buried in a common grave with different people. I think it was because Mozart’s family did not have money for a proper burial, I also believe that he was not murdered.
22. What did you like most about this movie? What did you like least? I liked the strong performances and the exploration of timeless themes related to the world of classical music. I did not like that Mozart was depicted as having a childlike and playful demeanor.
Essay:
Each essay must be at least one page (single spaced) using Times New Roman font, 12 pica. You may use examples from your text or from the movie, but you must remember to cite your source(s). Failure to cite your source constitutes plagiarism (whether intentional or not). If a student plagiarizes, the student will be given a zero on the assignment, possibly the class and be turned in as a Code of Conduct violation.
1.
What significance did the society, in which the musician lived, place on his/her creative work? 2.
Questions to consider (but not required to include): How was the employment/class
structure based in the Classical era? How was that class structure different in the earlier period, the Baroque era or the later period, Romantic era? Would Mozart have done better as a freelance musician had he been born in a later era? How did his contemporaries fare? Who was to blame for Mozart's failure?
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1- The significance placed on a musician's creative work by the society in which they lived can vary based on cultural, historical, and societal factors. Different societies and time periods have distinct attitudes and values regarding the arts.
Cultures that highly value the arts often place significant importance on a musician's creative work. Music is viewed not only as entertainment but as an integral part of cultural identity and expression.
Musicians who use their creative work to comment on social issues, convey messages, or provide
commentary on the times may be seen as cultural influencers. Their work contributes to broader conversations within society.
In societies that highly value the arts, musicians and their creative work may be deeply appreciated and celebrated. The cultural significance of music often reflects the broader artistic and aesthetic values of a community.
Throughout history, many musicians relied on patronage systems, where wealthy individuals or institutions supported artists financially. In such societies, the value placed on a musician's work was often tied to the patron's taste and preferences.
In some societies, music holds religious or ritualistic significance. Musicians might play a central
role in religious ceremonies, festivals, or other communal events, elevating the importance of their creative contributions.
Historical periods can shape the perception of a musician's work. For example, the Baroque era saw a rise in the patronage system, while the Romantic era emphasized individual expression and
the artist's unique voice.
The society's significance to the composer is that it taught him about the genuine landscape of existence. Others are ecstatic for what others have accomplished, while others are envious of what others can do.
The bitter joke of Antonio Salieri in the final scene of the biographical film based on Peter Shaffer's film "Amadeus" is that "I am a patron of mediocrity in the world." A unique gift and an ordinary man are the main themes of the film "Amadeus." This film is most likely a fantasy on the theme of relationships capable of, but not more than, Salieri and infinitely talented Amadeus Mozart.
Some men are born with the ability to achieve greatness, while others lack the talent to do so. Some people are born with a yearning for fame, while others are born with it. Every person is envious of people who are superior to him. This story is radically reimagined in Amadeus, with one man's jealousy of another's genius pitted
against that same man's love for that other's talent. How can you despise a man who creates such beautiful music?
Salieri is an elderly man who attempted suicide when we first encountered him. As the film progresses, we will discover more about this atonement for sins. He survives and is committed to
a mental institution, where he is visited by a priest who wants to hear his confession. This dualism is a trait shared by all men. We can all love and detest the same person at the same time. We all yearn for something that other people have but we don't. This is particularly true in the case of artists. The similarities and differences between creations and creators are frequently striking. Amadeus, on the other hand, is the only one who has the power to destroy the creator while yearning for more of his creations.
Economic structures within a society can influence the value placed on a musician's work. Commercial success, record sales, and concert attendance may be seen as indicators of a musician's impact and importance.
The presence of educational institutions and opportunities for artistic development can elevate the significance of a musician's work. Formal training and recognition contribute to the cultural value placed on music.
In some societies, music holds ceremonial or ritualistic importance. Musicians may play a central
role in religious ceremonies, celebrations, or traditional events, adding cultural and social value to their work.
In contemporary societies, musicians who contribute to popular culture and shape musical trends often gain widespread recognition. Their creative work becomes a reflection of societal tastes and preferences.
Musicians who use their creative work to comment on social issues, convey messages, or provide
commentary on the times may be seen as cultural influencers. Their work contributes to broader conversations within society.
With increased globalization, musicians can reach a global audience, impacting not only their local society but also contributing to the cultural exchange on a broader scale. Social and political engagement may also contribute to the societal impact of an artist's work.
Different musical genres may be valued differently within a society. For instance, classical music
may be highly esteemed in one culture, while contemporary or traditional music may hold greater significance in another.
The societal significance of a musician's creative work is multifaceted, influenced by cultural, economic, and historical factors. Understanding these dynamics provides insights into how a musician's contributions are perceived and valued within a given societal context.
2- The significance of a musician's creative work is heavily influenced by the society in which they live. The class structure, employment opportunities, and cultural values all play a role in determining the value placed on a musician's work. In this essay, we will examine the employment and class structure of the Classical, Baroque, and Romantic eras, and the impact this
had on musicians such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
In the Classical period (1750-1825) Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were two great masters. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was one of the most remarkable music geniuses the world has ever known. He wrote symphonies, concertos for a variety of instruments, a great number and variety of chamber music, songs, works for piano solos, and operas (OnMusic Appreciation fourth edition).
In the classical era, the employment and class structure were based on the patronage system. Musicians and artists were typically employed by wealthy patrons, such as royalty or the upper class. These patrons would provide financial support in exchange for the musician's creative work, which was often performed in private concerts or at the patron's residence. The patronage system provided stability and security for musicians, but it also placed limitations on their creative freedom. Musicians were expected to produce work that was in line with the tastes and values of their patrons.
The Baroque period (1600-1750) was characterized by a more hierarchical class structure. Musicians were typically employed by the church or the royal court and were considered members of the lower class. This limited their social mobility and opportunities for financial gain. Musician in the Baroque era was also expected to adhere to strict musical conventions and compositional forms.
One of the most important composers in the history of music, and certainly the preeminent composer of the Baroque period, Johann Sebastian Bach produced what many regard as the finest pieces of music ever written (OnMusic Appreciation fourth edition).
The composers of the Classical period were strongly influenced by the ideals of the Enlightenment, which strongly preferred the natural over the formal, and egalitarianism over elitism. Concluding that the complex counterpoint of the Baroque was too formal and elitist, they
consciously set out to develop a new style, with simpler, slower-moving harmonies and dominating melodies, that was easier for the public to follow and understand. Although counterpoint certainly did not disappear from music, the true equal-voices-style counterpoint, that had been so common in the Renaissance and Baroque, became much rarer.
The Romantic era (1820-1910) marked a shift away from the patronage system and towards a more market-driven economy. Musicians were able to seek employment as freelance performers or composers and had greater creative freedom. However, the competition for musical opportunities was fierce, and many musicians struggled to make a living.
Mozart started entertaining ideas of becoming what today would be called a freelance artist. This
was unheard of in Mozart's time, during which the patronage system was still in effect (OnMusic Appreciation fourth edition).
Mozart, being a prolific and innovative composer, might have thrived as a freelance musician in a later era. The growing emphasis on public performances and the emergence of a middle-class audience could have provided more opportunities for him. However, he lived in a time when the patronage system was still in place, and his financial struggles were largely due to his mismanagement of money and his inability to secure a steady source of income from a patron.
Mozart's contemporaries, such as Haydn and Beethoven, navigated similar challenges. Beethoven transitioned from relying on patronage to establishing himself as an independent
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composer, relying on commissions, public performances, and publishing.
Mozart faced financial challenges partly due to his extravagant lifestyle, the unpredictability of patronage, and his inability to manage finances effectively. However, societal factors, including economic fluctuations and changing tastes, also played a role.
The transition from the Classical to the Romantic era witnessed a shift in musical tastes and employment structures. Composers and musicians sought more autonomy, and the rise of the public concert became a key feature of the musical landscape.
Mozart's financial challenges were influenced by a complex interplay of personal decisions, societal structures, and the evolving nature of the music industry. The concept of success and failure in the arts is often nuanced, and Mozart's legacy has, over time, come to be recognized as one of unparalleled artistic achievement.
While he faced financial difficulties, Mozart left a lasting musical legacy. His challenges were influenced by societal shifts, the unpredictability of patronage, and his own financial decisions.
The class structure and employment opportunities available to musicians in the Classical, Baroque, and Romantic eras all had an impact on the value placed on their work. Mozart's financial struggles were a result of the limited employment opportunities available in his time, but his talent and creativity continue to be celebrated and appreciated centuries after his death.
Mozart's operas are the only ones from the 18th century that continue to be widely performed (OnMusic Appreciation fourth edition).