Maligned Master: Real Story of Antonio Salieri

Today Antonio Salieri is largely famous as Mozart's rival and possibly, murderer - the play and the film "Amadeus" have revived the old legend. Rather few people also know Salieri's work, which only in recent years has begun to be performed again. In this biography of Salieri, the author argues that he was one of the most important opera composers of his time, and that the success of some of his operas was considerable. He was celebrated in Paris, and in Vienna, where Beethoven, Schubert and Liszt were among his pupils. The author examines Salieri's life and work, and analyzes his relationship with Mozart, with the aim of setting the record straight.