Mozart and Salieri Throughout the

Mozart and Salieri Throughout the film "Amadeus," the two characters are consistently shown in opposition to each other - from their music to their demeanor. It is clear to see that culturally and ideally, the men were far different from each other. The scene where Mozart is introduced is classic in that it clearly illustrates the basic social and cultural differences between the two at once.

For example, Salieri is refined to the point of austerity, even in his dress, while Mozart is opulent and flamboyant (even vulgar) in every way. Salieri says to himself, "Why would God choose an obscene child to be his instrument?" ("Amadeus"), and that sums up the cultural differences between the two men. Salieri has dedicated his early life to God's work, which was common during the time, while Mozart seems to have anything but God on his mind. To Mozart, his gods were his music and his father.

This indicates the importance of religion in society was changing. Music was showing that, as well. Both of these men compose religiously inspired music, but other, classical music as well. Religion is not the only reason Mozart composed, it simply came to him with the melody, while for Salieri, he was always hoping for God's approval (until he became a disbeliever, at least). Salieri is an excellent of the logic and reason of the time. No emotions move him, while Mozart is nothing but emotions running out of control.

Their music indicates this difference as well. Salieri follows the rules, and creates works that are popular, but not everlasting. Mozart, on the other hand, cannot follow the rules, but creates masterpieces that are classics in every sense of the word. The two men indicate how important it was to "fit in" in classical society. Mozart did not, and was not considered successful during the time, and Salieri did everything he thought was correct, but he has been forgotten while Mozart lives on.

Another important aspect of the culture of the time was the changing emphasis on language. During the Renaissance, opera was for the "educated" and was written in Italian. In the scene where the Emperor and his aides argue about the language for the new opera, one of the aides notes, "Plain German for plain people," and "German is too brutal" ("Amadeus").

Underlying this conversation is the idea that the north could not possibly be civilized or educated, and only the elite and attuned listened to the classical music emanating from Italy. This also indicates how the culture was changing, and indicates the difference between the two composers. Mozart welcomed writing in German, but was open to any language, while Salieri plodded along in Italian. He was not open to change and innovation, while Mozart championed it in his music and his life.

Throughout the film, it is clear Salieri cannot grow to accept the changes in Classical music. He represents the old morals of the Renaissance, while Mozart represents the new morals of the Enlightenment that would forge the French Revolution and religious upheaval across Europe. His music represented this change as well. His music was classical, but it went beyond many of the other classical composers. His music was special, and it was simply better than many other composers'.