Le Nozze di Figaro, which is Italian for The Marriage of Figaro, is an opera buffa, also called a comic opera, that was composed by the legendary Wolfgang Mozart in 1786. The opera also has an Italian libretto which was put together by Lorenzo Da Ponte, the Italian-American poet. The opera first premiered in Vienna, at the Burgtheater, in 1786. The libretto of the opera was inspired by the stage comedy, The Mad Day, or The Marriage of Figaro (La Folle journée, ou le Mariage de Figaro), which was written by Pierre Beaumarchais, the French watchmaker and playwright. The opera was very scandalous at the time, because of its somewhat obscene take on 18th-century society. It has a mesmerising score that does justice to the intricate world it portrays. It highlights the neverending tension between the sexes, as well as the classes of society, with elegance and appeal.

The production by Sir Richard Eyre features two exceptional casts with Nadine Sierra and Anita Hartig in the lead roles. Sierra is an operatic soprano from America. She is famous for her rendition of Gilda in Rigoletto by Verdi, and Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti. Critics have commended her on her flawless vocal technique, the floating beauty of her voice, and her bountiful musicality. Anita Hartig, an operatic soprano from Romania, was extremely successful with her role of Mimi in La bohème by Puccini. Her international career has been founded on her ability to bring out the most intricate aspects of the characters she is playing through her expressions and tonal brilliance.

The Story

The opera is set in the city of Seville and is the sequel to The Barber of Seville. This MET production recreates the story by placing it in the 1930s. The comic opera tells the story of how two servants, Susanna and Figaro, are successful in their attempt to get married. They manage to thwart the efforts of Count Almaviva, their womanising employer, who tries to seduce Susanna. The hilarious opera show depicts a singular day of insanity in the palace of the Count. Watch Le Nozze di Figaro and find out how the duo manages to teach the debauchee Count a lesson in faithfulness.

Good For

Fans of Mozart’s Operas | Comedy Lovers

Reviews

“What a difference a good conductor, new voices, and a creative revival stage director makes!“

• Bachtrack