Why was Salieri so racist?

If you actually listened to the singspiel "Die Neger" and followed along with the plot, you'd get a very different impression of Salieri. One in which, although not an abolitionist activist, was sympathetic to the plight of the African American slaves.

In fact, if you listened to any music by Salieri at all, you wouldn't be so quick to dismiss him for his "total lack of talent."

Poor Salieri. He was too Italian for the Germans and too German for the Italians. From what I've read Salieri was not racist. His only character flaw, according to Thayer, was that at one point he did not allow Mozart to be considered to teach piano to the Prince's daughter, taking the job himself.

Like Nancy said, listen to the opera.

No racist he, but you're trolling with splashy creative ignorance, The plot device for 'Die Neger' [since when can't a -- your term -- 'white guy' speak German? ] of 1802, (first perfomed 1804, Salieri's valediction to the stage) is that Falkland, forced out of his homestead and country through false accusation, returns to become the plot engine by 'blacking up' for his disguise, hence the title. It is, i.e., a matter of exoticism of the period rather than false beards and/or drag to create a bogus identity to move the intrigue to its convoluted, for contemporaries tittillating, exotically 'spivy', and ultimately very happy conclusion.

Now be done with you. Must do better.

The formers European empires, were so nationalists. And many of these composers, were nationalists too. At Salieri's era, was forbbiden use Turkish and Arabic music.

There is nothing whatsoever racist about the the word 'negr0' (which is the translation of the Italian word 'neger') - it is a perfectly valid noun to describe a person of the negr0id race (look it up!). It is only its diminutive form (you know what word I mean), much used as a derogatory term, that should be a problem.

We should beware of legitimate words being abused and vilified.

youre trolling right?

or do you really not understand what order in history all those things happened?