The Marriage of Figaro
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The Marriage of Figaro
This opera was written by none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart as we now call him lived from 1756 – 1791 and was born in Salzburg, Austria. Beginning a musical carrier at the age of five, he became on of the most talented composers of all times. In 1786 “The Marriage of Figaro” was written by Lorenzo do Ponte, and this were they say Mozart reached the peak of his career.
“The Marriage of Figaro” was performed at the Performing Art Center in Tulsa, Ok April 20th 2006. This opera is broken into four different acts. This opera is roughly three hours and fifteen minutes long with three intermissions.
Act I takes place in the castle if Count Almaviva, located in Spain, in the year 1778. Figaro (Christopher Feigum) has learned of a scheme by his master the Count (Brian Leerhuber) to woo the maid Susanna (Evelyn Pollock). Figaros plight through out this opera is to foil that plan.
The music that Mozart wrote for this opera was declared by Da Ponte to be written is six weeks. When we first hear the music it is an opening to a love song. This love song brings emotional meaning to our characters. This technique also makes our characters feel more life-like and appear to have more depth.
The music paints a picture in our minds of the love that Figaro and Susanna have for each other and the length that they will go to save it. Some other highlights of this opera are the trio singing that is done with masterful precision. Susanna, Basilio and the Count perform the (“Cosa sento! Tosto andate”)and this style is related to the sonata form.
Another stand out performance is by Cherubino, which performs an aria. This aria is done in a fast talking method thats main purpose is to advance the plot and keep the pace of the opera going. This fast talking song is sung to the Countess.
There are so many things to like about this opera that it would take more than to pages to describe. The music, and the acting were all top notch. If this opera was to come back to Tulsa, I would definitely go see this one again, and recommend this to my friends.