“Amadeus Live” at the Hollywood Bowl

We all know by now about the rapid decline in the theatrical box office, despite the near universal agreement that there’s nothing like watching a film together with a large group of people. “Amadeus Live” at the Hollywood Bowl last night is an example of that phenomenon.

With the LA Philharmonic and Pacific Chorale providing perfectly synchronized live substitutions for the lush score, we are thrown somewhat back in time to the very, very earliest days of cinema when a piano player or organist accompanied silent films.

Tom Hulce as Mozart

One couple was in full effect at The Hollywood Bowl, they could have been extras in the film

Here the film’s original dialogue is maintained, but with seemingly impossible accuracy conductor Norman Huynh directs each musical queue perfectly.

The 1984 Academy Award-winning film (directed by Miloš Forman) is perfect for this presentation in the glorious Hollywood Bowl. The film’s fascinating topic is about the eponymous young musical genius, whose compositions quickly overshadow the compositions of the story’s narrator, Antonio Salieri. Mozart is played by Tom Hulce, and he received an Academy Award nomination. As evidence of his range, Hulce’s prior role was Larry Kroger in Animal House. In the role of the older and jealous composer is F. Murray Abraham, who is likewise magnificent.

“Amadeus” won eight Academy Awards. including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor (Abraham as Salieri), as well as Oscars for best art direction, costume design, makeup, and sound. Shot mostly in Prague, the Austrian sets and costumes are wonderful eye candy. The range of Mozart’s music is on full display in the film, rewarding the Bowl audience with a delightful evening of sound and vision.

Among the many pieces enjoyed by attendees last night, Conductor Huynh was especially effective with Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (1787) and Piano Concerto No. 15 in B-flat major (1784). In addition, the audience was treated to lush interpretations of the operas Don Giovanni (1787) and The Magic Flute (1791).

I have no doubt that Spotify or other music streaming services will show a noticeable bump of Mozart music in the next couple days.