Mozart versus Salieri

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Adagio und Fuge c-Moll, KV 546

Antonio Salieri
Vier Scherzi strumentali di stile fugato für Streichquartett

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Hornquintett Es-Dur, KV 407

Antonio Salieri
Fuge für Streichquartett

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Streichquintett Nr. 3 C-Dur, KV 515

Antonio Salieri does not enjoy a good reputation in the music world: according to a centuries-old legend, he was a jealous rival who even poisoned Mozart. Miloš Forman’s film Amadeus also depicts Salieri as a mediocre, scheming composer. Yet during his lifetime, he was highly successful – and a genuinely likeable person. But is his work truly on a par with Mozart’s? Find out for yourself!

Members of the Berliner Philharmoniker set two of Salieri’s string quartets against Mozart’s chamber music works, including the splendid Horn Quintet. A fascinating listening experience at the crossroads of myth and reality.