that? a most tiresome piece. i heard it, too.
a young man trying to impress beyond his abilities. too much spice. too many notes.
but not german, i beg your majesty! italian is the proper language for opera. all educated people agree on that.
bravo, your majesty!
well, actually, sire, if you remember, we did finally incline to italian.
oh? have i seen it?
i think you'd better.
you mean in turkey?
then why especially does it have to be in german?
too many notes, your majesty?
yes?
italian?
you mean that play?
he's setting that play to music?
you must be mad.
it's a french play, kapellmeister. it has been banned by the emperor.
are you absolutely sure?
where?
for the same reason, herr chamberlain, that it was banned in france.
well, the play makes a hero out of a valet. he outwits his noble master and exposes him as a lecher. do you see the implications? this would be, in a grander situation, as if a chamberlain were to expose an emperor.
what you think, mozart, is scarcely the point. it is what his majesty thinks that counts.
that will do, herr mozart!
well, mozart is already rehearsing.
the emperor has given him permission.
what anger?
ballet? what ballet?
yes, absolutely. is there a ballet in figaro?
mozart! herr mozart, may i have a word with you please. right away.
did you not know that his majesty has expressly forbidden ballet in his operas?
exactly. a dance.
it is dangerous for you to interpret his majesty's edicts. give me your score, please.
thank you.
taking out what you should never have put in.
it is your regulation, sire. no ballet in your opera.
but, sire -
yes, majesty.
can we see the scene with the music back, please?
quite so, majesty.