W. A. Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro

This opera handbook examines Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro from historical and musical perspectives.

Tim Carter (Author)

9780521316064, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 February 1988

196 pages
21.5 x 13.8 x 1.6 cm, 0.285 kg

"...an outstanding and substantive discussion of Da Ponte's role in creating the libretto of Figaro...The synopsis of the plot includes significant musical factors, although not at the expense of an engaging narrative flow." James P. Fairleigh, Notes

Le nozze di Figaro (1786) was Mozart's first mature opera buffa. It was also the first of his three major collaborations with the librettist Lorenzo da Ponte. Unlike Don Giovanni (1787) and Così fan tutte (1790), Figaro has few obvious problems, and even if it is not without flaws, it nevertheless contains a remarkable mixture of all those elements that go to produce a good opera: a sound plot, a well-structured text and fine music. This opera handbook examines the work from historical and musical perspectives, to set it in the context of Mozart's age.

1. Introduction
2. Mozart and the opera buffa tradition Michael F. Robinson
3. Beaumarchais, da Ponte and Mozart: from play to opera
4. Synopsis
5. Verse and music in Le nozze di Figaro
6. Opera buffa and the Classical style: the Act I trio
7. Music and drama in Le nozze di Figaro
8. Le nozze di Figaro: a brief performance history
Notes
Select bibliography
Discography Malcolm Walker.

Subject Areas: Opera [AVGC9]