‘Mozart/Mozart,’ A Big, Poppy, Loud Take on Sister Maria Anna Mozart Boarded by ARD, ORF & ‘Zweiflers’ Director Clara Zoë My-Linh von Arnim (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film critic with a penchant for historical dramas and a soft spot for underdog stories, I can hardly contain my excitement for “Mozart/Mozart”. This series, set to hit our screens in 2025, promises a fresh perspective on a familiar name – Mozart. But this time, it’s not all about Wolfgang Amadeus; it’s about his sister, Maria Anna, who was also a prodigy but often overshadowed by her brother.

On Monday’s Mipcom, one of the largest European TV packages is expected to be “Mozart/Mozart,” the latest major series from Germany’s Story House Pictures, known for the hit show “Sisi” produced by Beta Film/RTL. This project has been taken on by Germany’s ARD and its Austrian counterpart ORF (Austria’s public broadcaster).

Furthermore, it has been announced that Clara Zoë My-Linh von Arnim, the co-director of this year’s award-winning best series at Canneseries (“The Zweiflers”) and winner of the German TV Awards, will take charge of the upcoming series.

Mozart/Mozart”, a series developed by Andreas Gutzeit – co-founder of Story House Pictures, the international studio of Bavaria Film Group, and also the producer and showrunner for “Sisi” – along with Swantje Oppermann, a staff writer on “Dignity” and a development executive at Story House, is now being created. This production is supported by ARD, Europe’s largest public broadcaster, which has recently invested in it.

Bavaria Media International will bring the six-part show to market at Mipcom.

The repeated reference “Mozart/Mozart” is rooted in historical truth, as Maria Anna Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus’s sister, was recognized as a child prodigy. When they both performed together, she often received top billing. Despite being barred from public performances once she became of marriageable age, she continued to compose music; however, her compositions were never publicly performed and have been lost over time.

On numerous occasions, women have been overlooked in historical accounts, as Maria Anna Mozart expresses in her writing,” the creators stated. They achieve this in an engaging narrative that commences when, having already gained stardom, following a stunning performance, Mozart is dismissed from her position as composer for the Salzburg court.

In order to avoid financial ruin, Maria Anna must marry a man twice her age, but she refuses this arrangement. Instead, both Mozarts escape to Vienna in an attempt to secure a position as a conductor at Emperor Joseph II’s court. However, Amadeus sustains an injury and falls into a state of near madness. To preserve the family’s financial stability, Maria Anna disguises herself as Amadeus – with the elaborate wigs and outlandish costumes, it becomes impossible for anyone to distinguish between them.

In the spotlight with great applause, Maria Anna flourishes under the name “Mozart,” experiencing contentment and liberty. On the other hand, Amadeus faces disappointment and ends up institutionalized. To make things more intricate, Maria Anna develops feelings for Antonio Salieri, Mozart’s competitor.

‘Mozart/Mozart,’ A Big, Poppy, Loud Take on Sister Maria Anna Mozart Boarded by ARD, ORF & ‘Zweiflers’ Director Clara Zoë My-Linh von Arnim (EXCLUSIVE)

“Mozart/Mozart” will go into production in 2025, also releasing next year.

Gutzejt stated that Mozart, a renowned brand with a history spanning over 250 years, maintains its success by narrating a thrilling tale about an exceptional musician. This musician was once shoved into obscurity as a child and manages to regain her place in the spotlight in a truly extraordinary manner as an adult.

The show takes place in 1780s Vienna, under the rule of an exceptional arts supporter, the Emperor. Known as the epicenter of European entertainment, the city thrives especially at night, whether it’s at exclusive post-shows for Vienna’s elite or extravagant parties where fortunes are risked, opium is the drug du jour, and sex is a currency easily exchanged.

A promo reel suggests “Mozart/Mozart” will be big, extravagant, flamboyant and wild.

My-Linh von Arnim stated that the objective is to evoke the feelings people may have experienced when hearing Mozart’s music during its time, allowing the audience to sense the unique, moving, and groundbreaking aspects of this music. To achieve this, a distinctive visual style is being created, one that demands courage and a touch of rebelliousness.

She noted that musically, it would offer a fresh, innovative, and edgy vibe on-screen, yet it would remain appealing and relatable for contemporary viewers.

Although the design concept has a contemporary, vibrant feel that can occasionally lean towards pop art, it never detracts from the characters or their emotional depth. Instead, it enhances them, making both the characters and the drama more impactful.

The costumes and settings of the series will undoubtedly be just as stunning and attention-grabbing as its characters. As Gutzeit put it, “Maria Anna will leave the audience awestruck in her eye-catching outfits.

My-Linh von Arnim stated that ‘Mozart/Mozart’ will feature a significant contrast between the upper and lower classes, portraying Vienna’s street performers with equal importance as the court virtuosos. This class divide is a key focus of the series,” she noted.

The series issues are eminently relevant today, they both insisted.

Gutzeit describes this narrative as a contemporary tale of female empowerment that transcends the simple idea of a woman finding her place,” he said. “Instead, it’s about Maria Anna discovering self-belief and confidence in her abilities. This theme resonates deeply with a younger audience.

Under a false identity, Maria Anna ascends to stardom in Vienna, causing concern for Amadeus. His psychological state deteriorates, exacerbated by substance abuse, as he grapples with the belief that his own sister might be replacing him.

The series similarly explores the challenge of achieving success and respect as a woman during those periods, all while navigating personal relationships – a struggle that remains relevant even today, according to My-Linh von Arnim.

The Mozarts will discover, however, together they’re far better than working apart.

Theirs’ is not the only sibling relationship in the series, however.

Since 1780, Joseph II, considered one of Europe’s most distinguished monarchs, started implementing Enlightenment ideals, including allowing peasants to own small parcels of land. This forward-thinking approach placed him ahead of many contemporary European governments in terms of progress.

Through his sister Marie Antoinette, who was married to the French king, he became embroiled in a philosophical power struggle between the Austrian and French monarchies regarding European governance. The extravagant lifestyle of Marie Antoinette in Austria, however, was jeopardized by her brother’s political ambitions. Contrary to his intentions, she undermined his proposed reforms.

In simpler terms, the series “Mozart/Mozart” is designed for a broad audience, particularly younger viewers, and it explores themes such as family, sibling affection, talent and fate, transgression and oppression, power dynamics, and both hate and love – all set against a backdrop of abundant music. According to Gutzeit, this is the essence of the show.

2024-10-19 14:47

‘Mozart/Mozart,’ A Big, Poppy, Loud Take on Sister Maria Anna Mozart Boarded by ARD, ORF & ‘Zweiflers’ Director Clara Zoë My-Linh von Arnim (EXCLUSIVE)

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