Myth #33: Age Old Rivalry

Banish the Hollywood-inspired melodrama from your mind, for the tale of Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is far from a venomous feud. In the world of classical music, these two titans didn’t lock horns in bitter rivalry; instead, they shared a relationship that could be best described as respectful, even friendly.

Salieri, recognizing Mozart’s prodigious talent, took on the role of a mentor and admirer. Contrary to the spicy concoctions of cinematic fiction, historical records paint a different picture—one devoid of toxic animosity. In fact, Salieri went on to conduct some of Mozart’s compositions even after Mozart’s passing.