Sad news I learned tonight: my wife told me that Sir Peter Shaffer died. At 90, it is not a tragedy, but it is still sad. He is of course the author of Amadeus, the amazing play that was the basis for the no less amazing movie of the same name. Like for many, the film made me discover the genius of Mozart. I watched the movie an innumerable number of times since I was a child, I read the play which I bought in a second hand bookshop in Montreal, I had finally the chance to see it a few months ago on stage. I never get tired of it. It is a fictionalized account of Mozart's life, yet it is a genuine portrait of the artist and of his work. It also vilified his contemporary Antonio Salieri, making him a jealous schemer, then an assassin. Ironically, Shaffer's work saved Salieri from oblivion. He also made him into a fascinating character. I said it before, I will say it again: it is my dream to get back on the stage to play the role of Salieri. I must confess, it is the only play I have ever seen or read of the writer. I will correct this as soon as possible. Until then, this is my homage to a great dramatic author who had a unique way with words. So here is again, as an homage, the trailer of the movie, which is very much like the beginning of the play. RIP to a true maestro.Monday, 6 June 2016
RIP Peter Shaffer
Sad news I learned tonight: my wife told me that Sir Peter Shaffer died. At 90, it is not a tragedy, but it is still sad. He is of course the author of Amadeus, the amazing play that was the basis for the no less amazing movie of the same name. Like for many, the film made me discover the genius of Mozart. I watched the movie an innumerable number of times since I was a child, I read the play which I bought in a second hand bookshop in Montreal, I had finally the chance to see it a few months ago on stage. I never get tired of it. It is a fictionalized account of Mozart's life, yet it is a genuine portrait of the artist and of his work. It also vilified his contemporary Antonio Salieri, making him a jealous schemer, then an assassin. Ironically, Shaffer's work saved Salieri from oblivion. He also made him into a fascinating character. I said it before, I will say it again: it is my dream to get back on the stage to play the role of Salieri. I must confess, it is the only play I have ever seen or read of the writer. I will correct this as soon as possible. Until then, this is my homage to a great dramatic author who had a unique way with words. So here is again, as an homage, the trailer of the movie, which is very much like the beginning of the play. RIP to a true maestro.
C'est sûr que ses autres oeuvres doivent être de qualité. Reste qu'Amadeus est un chef-d'oeuvre inoubliable qui a fait découvrir le divin Mozart pour plusieurs. Et le personnage de Salieri, en version fictive. Sa musique à lui, on ne la connaît pas plus.
ReplyDeleteI once met Peter Shaffer...I was able to buy him a drink and thank him for Amadeus. I feel very lucky. An amazing play on which an incredible film was based...he brought the joy of Mozart and his music to so many who would otherwise have maybe not known him.
ReplyDeleteThe only other work of his that I've seen is the movie version of Equus, with Richard Burton as the psychiatrist. It was interesting but I think Amadeus is his greatest play.
ReplyDeletei would be embarrassed to admit how mant times i have watched amadeus.
ReplyDelete