Meaning: This quote is from the play "Amadeus" written by the renowned British playwright Peter Shaffer. The play tells the story of the rivalry between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, two composers in 18th-century Vienna. The quote is spoken by the character Salieri, a composer who is deeply envious of Mozart's talent and success.

In this particular line, Salieri expresses his disdain for Italian opera, specifically criticizing the portrayal of love in the performances he has witnessed. He refers to the male sopranos, likely castrati, as "screeching," and derides the portrayal of love as "rubbish." Salieri's character is known for his bitterness and jealousy, and this quote reflects his cynical and disillusioned perspective on love and art.

Salieri's critique of Italian opera in this quote reflects his broader disillusionment with the world around him. He feels that the art form, which is highly revered in the cultural circles of Vienna, fails to capture the true essence of love. This sentiment is a reflection of Salieri's own emotional turmoil and his inability to find fulfillment in his own life and work.

The phrase "stupid fat couples rolling their eyes about" also speaks to Salieri's contempt for the perceived superficiality of the opera audience. He sees them as indulging in a shallow and pretentious display of emotion, further fueling his disillusionment with the world of art and culture that he inhabits.

In the broader context of the play, this quote serves to illuminate Salieri's complex character and his deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and resentment. As he grapples with his own artistic mediocrity and his envy of Mozart's genius, Salieri's bitter outlook on love and art becomes a recurring theme throughout the play.

It's important to note that this quote should be understood within the context of the character and the dramatic narrative of "Amadeus." Salieri's perspective is not necessarily reflective of the playwright's own beliefs, but rather serves as a crucial element in the exploration of the play's central themes of jealousy, artistic rivalry, and the elusive nature of genius.

In conclusion, Peter Shaffer's quote from "Amadeus" encapsulates the disillusioned and embittered perspective of the character Antonio Salieri towards Italian opera, love, and the cultural elite of his time. It offers insight into the complex emotional landscape of the play and the character's internal struggles, adding depth to the exploration of artistic rivalry and the human experience within the context of the theatrical narrative.