Final answer:
Historical evidence indicates that Mozart and Salieri had a professional relationship marked by both rivalry and respect, and they even collaborated occasionally. They were not intense enemies as depicted in fictional works, nor were they close friends. The dichotomy between true friendship and enmity is overly simplistic in describing their interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri has been a subject of debate among historians. While popular myths, particularly influenced by the play and film 'Amadeus,' depict Salieri as jealous of Mozart and possibly even responsible for his death, historical evidence suggests that this dramatic portrayal is not accurate. In fact, Salieri and Mozart were professional contemporaries and could be seen as rivals to some extent, but there is also evidence to show that they held mutual respect and even collaborated on some projects. Although it is unlikely they were close friends, they were not enemies as often depicted in fictional accounts.
In the context of the true nature of their relationship, saying Mozart and Salieri were 'friends' may be an oversimplification. They likely shared a collegial relationship, which sometimes included rivalry, as was common among composers and musicians in the competitive atmosphere of 18th-century Vienna. Hence, the simple true/false question doesn't capture the complexities of their relationship.