Publisher Description

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 Cosi 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.

Table of Contents

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.

Review

"...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

Review Quote

"...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

Promotional "Headline"

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

Description for Bookstore

Le Nozze di Figaro (1786) 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.

Description for Library

Le Nozze di Figaro (1786) 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.

Details