Amadeus: Performers' vocal interpretation of character (accent, volume, pitch, timing, pace, intonation, phrasing, emotional range, delivery of lines) – A Level Drama and Theatre OCR Revision

Amadeus: Performers’ vocal interpretation of character (accent, volume, pitch, timing, pace, intonation, phrasing, emotional range, delivery of lines)

Salieri’s vocal interpretation can change considerably depending on the time period the actor is portraying; the older, more bitter Salieri should have a gritty, lowered pitch compared to the younger, ambitious Salieri.
Salieri, as the narrator, should employ a range of pace and volumes to emphasise the emotional highs and lows of the narrative.
While remaining reserved, Salieri’s intonation should spike during moments of extreme jealousy and anger towards Mozart.

Mozart’s vocal interpretation should reflect his playful and impulsive nature; a higher pitch and spontaneity in timing and phrasing can communicate this.
Despite his cheeky outward presentation, moments of vulnerability require a quieter volume and more reflective pace to mirror his emotional state.
Mozart’s use of accents can change depending on his company. With Salieri and the Emperor, a more formal tone can be applied to mimic his desire for acceptance and respect.

Her voice can be portrayed as more emotional with varying degrees of pitch, pace and volume to reflect her emotional strain.
Elements like accent and phrasing can be used subtly to show her German heritage and unrefined social graces compared to the Viennese society.

For all characters, the emotional range needs to be vast to portray the drama and intense emotions within ‘Amadeus’.
Lines regarding music should be delivered with appropriate reverence, conveying the deep respect characters like Salieri and Mozart have for this art form.
For comedic lines, particularly from Mozart, timing is essential to nail down the humour and the often irreverent tone.

All characters should be able to switch quickly between emotions, reflecting the quick pace of the narrative and the timings of the numerous dramatic events. This requires a strong command over all voice aspects such as volume, pace, pitch, timing and intonation.