Exploring the Life and Music of Mozart Through Will Sharpe’s Journey

LONDON — Actor Will Sharpe is embracing the challenge of portraying the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the new limited series “Amadeus.” Despite the weight of Mozart’s historical significance, Sharpe, 39, is primarily focused on uncovering the man behind the music.

“There’s this apocryphal interpretation of Mozart that suggests the music just fell into his lap,” Sharpe remarked during a recent interview outside London’s Barbican. Currently editing his upcoming Apple TV series “Prodigies,” which he created, directed, and starred in alongside Ayo Edebiri, Sharpe carved out time to discuss his role as Mozart. “I thought it was interesting to imagine: What is that in reality? What would that feel like day to day? Who was he as a human being?”

Written by Joe Barton, “Amadeus” explores the complex relationship between Mozart and fellow composer Antonio Salieri, portrayed by Paul Bettany. The series, currently airing in the U.S. on Starz, expands upon Peter Shaffer’s 1979 stage play and the subsequent Oscar-winning film adaptation, offering a deeper look into Mozart’s life, including his relationships, particularly with his wife, Constanze (Gabrielle Creevy).

Sharpe emphasized the creative liberties taken in the portrayal: “It’s not about the real Mozart — it’s a fictional version of him. The main thing was to track him from a place of naivety and innocence to the darker person he becomes.”

Having previously collaborated with Barton on the British crime drama “Giri/Haji,” Sharpe described his eagerness to delve into Mozart’s psyche alongside Bettany. The series begins with their first encounters in Vienna, setting the stage for the rivalry that ensues.

“Salieri’s predicament is awful,” Bettany shared during a Zoom interview from New York City. “He can’t understand why all of this love and attention is being lavished on this reprobate. There’s something heartbreaking about Salieri, about his self-awareness of being close to greatness, but not great.”

Bettany praised Sharpe’s casting, noting the challenge of playing a genius. “Will was perfect casting. Playing greatness is very difficult. How do you play a genius? I think you probably need to get a genius to play one, and so he fits the role very well.”

Sharpe, who was cast six months before filming began in Budapest in summer 2024, immersed himself in preparation, including taking piano lessons and learning to conduct an orchestra. “I found that quite helpful because even on the page there’s such a broad spectrum of aspects to his personality,” he noted. “Some of him is so silly, almost juvenile, and then there are these dark, grand parts.”

While Sharpe had previous musical experience, tackling classical piano proved to be a significant challenge. “They’re smaller keys and the action is really light and delicate,” he described. Yet, he found joy in that challenge, likening it to a form of meditation.

“Mozart’s music was such an unusual but valuable resource to have. It’s a very pure expression of who he was,” Sharpe said. The series’ depiction of conducting strays from historical accuracy, as it prioritizes emotional storytelling over mechanical precision.

“The conducting was very metronomic, whereas modern conducting is so much about expression,” Bettany explained. “We got to a halfway point where there was some expressiveness.”

Key scenes reveal the emotional depths of Mozart, particularly after the death of his son when he composes a piece titled “Kyrie.” Filming at Budapest’s St. Stephen’s Basilica, Sharpe conducted live musicians for this poignant moment. Bettany recalled this as a turning point for Salieri, who begins to understand the divine connection in Mozart’s music.

“Paul and I saw the characters as two brothers who have a common father in God,” said Sharpe. “They both feel that they’re being mistreated in some way.”

Reflecting on their contrasting approaches, Sharpe articulated his dynamic as Mozart: “In some ways, it took way more preparation than any other part I’ve played. He has his own perspective and it doesn’t necessarily fit with how the world expects you to operate.”

Amid a busy schedule, which includes an Emmy nomination for his supporting role in the second season of “The White Lotus,” Sharpe is also preparing for “Prodigies.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunities presented to him, despite the challenges of balancing work and family life.

“To know what you want to do next you have to have the intention, but you also have to fill yourself up,” he advised. “Sometimes being away from the world of fiction is really healthy.”

Sharpe remains committed to seeking out challenging roles that push him into unfamiliar territory. “I want to know I made some sort of sacrifice and that when I leave a project, I couldn’t have given it any more,” he concluded, reflecting on the depth of his portrayal in “Amadeus.”