So then you like it? You
really like it, Your Majesty?
JOSEPH
Of course I do. It's very good. Of course now
and then - just
now and then - it gets a touch elaborate.
MOZART
What do you mean, Sire?
JOSEPH
Well, I mean occasionally it seems to have, how shall one
say? (he
stops in difficulty; to Orsini-Rosenberg) How shall one say,
Director?
ORSINI-ROSENBERG
Too many notes, Your Majesty?
JOSEPH
Exactly. Very well put. Too many notes.
MOZART
I don't understand. There are just as many notes,
Majesty, as are
required. Neither more nor less.
JOSEPH
My dear fellow, there are in fact only so many notes the ear
can
hear in the course of an evening. I think I'm right in
saying that,
aren't I, Court Composer?
SALIERI
Yes! yes! er, on the whole, yes, Majesty.
MOZART
(to Salieri)
But this is absurd!
JOSEPH
My dear, young man, don't take it too hard. Your work
is inge-
nious. It's quality work. And there are simply
too many notes,
that's all. Cut a few and it will be perfect.