Antonio Salieri: Mastermind of Music

He shaped generations of musicians, but history remembers him for a crime he never committed.

In 1766, a 16-year-old Italian musician stepped out of a carriage in Vienna and went on to shape the musical life of the city for more than half a century. For more than 35 years, Antonio Salieri held the position of court conductor, moved in the circles of Haydn and Mozart, and taught Beethoven, Schubert, and Liszt among many others, leaving an enduring mark on music history. Yet to this day, Salieri’s name is entwined with one of history’s most spectacular “cold cases”: the 19th-century rumour that he poisoned Mozart out of jealousy of his musical genius. Actor Tobias Moretti retraces Salieri’s footsteps, visiting original locations, meeting musicians and historians, and investigating the alleged rivalry. How could a man, admired as both musician and human being, known for his integrity and concern for orchestra musicians, fall under suspicion of having murdered the greatest musical genius of his time?