Alexander Wheelock Thayer

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.

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