By Sigurd Neubauer
11/02/2023
In a world that is becoming increasingly bland – culturally as well as artistically – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (1756 –1791) Le Nozze di Figaro stands out for its beauty, grace, and artistic perfection. It is, of course, one of the most popular operas of all time as its music perfectly matches the libretto and the psychology of its cast of characters.
As one of our friends recently relayed, The Marriage of Figaro is per definition the perfect opera as Mozart expresses so many layers of psychology, drama, and emotion. The opera is also about forgiveness, a virtue that is timeless yet difficult to emulate. At the end of the opera – at the grand finale – love triumphs over folly, and goodness prevails.
Mozart’s belief in the innate goodness of humanity shines through, and the music manages to be noble, emotional, lovingly tender and sublime all at the same time.
It premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria, on May 1, 1786. Mozart himself conducted the first two performances.
If you’re unfamiliar with the wonderful world of opera, The Marriage of Figaro is the perfect opera to start with.
Mozart’s four act opera was composed in 1786. Its Italian libretto was written by Lorenzo Da Ponte (1749-1838), who ended up becoming the first professor of Italian literature at Columbia College
Le Nozze di Figaro premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria, on May 1, 1786. Mozart himself conducted the first two performances