THE 36TH BARD MUSIC FESTIVAL Mozart and His World

Rivalries and Conspiracies with Bard Festival Ensemble

This program brings to life two legendary musical contests orchestrated by Habsburg Emperor Joseph II: a celebrated piano duel between Mozart and Muzio Clementi, and a theatrical competition between Mozart and Antonio Salieri at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace.

Experience the rivalry between Mozart and his Italian contemporaries through two comic operas written for the emperor’s 1786 contest: Salieri’s Prima la musica, poi le parole (“First the Music, then the Words”) and Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor (“The Impresario”). Featuring the Bard Festival Ensemble conducted by Dorian Bandy, this program explores the artistic rivalries, humor, and theatrical traditions of 18th-century Vienna.