Le Nozze di Figaro - Facts About The Opera

What does Le Nozze di Figaro mean?

Le Nozze di Figaro is translated as "The Marriage of Figaro".

Who composed the opera Le Nozze di Figaro?

The opera was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and set to the libretto (words/text) by Lorenzo Da Ponte. The opera is based on the play "Le Marriage of  Figaro" written by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais in 1784.

When was the opera first performed?

The opera was first performed at the Burgtheater in Vienna on the 1st of May 1786.

Who were the lead singers of the first production?

The lead singers of the first production of Le Nozze di Figaro were very young. Susanna was performed by 21 year old Nancy Storace, Cherubino was sung by a 23 years old, Basilio was performed by a 24 years old and the Countess was performed by a singer in her 20's. Barbarina, was performed by a 12 year old singer, who later performed as Pamina in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. Figaro and the other basses were performed by 40 year old's. 

Where is the opera set?

The opera is set near Seville, in Count Almaviva's estate.

What is important about the music of this opera?

• The opera is an opera buffa, a form of comic opera that was first established in Naples.
• The opera contains many arias depicting the character's emotions as well as various ensembles. 

What is Le Nozze di Figaro's historical background?

• Mozart composed Le Nozze di Figaro at the age of 30 years old. 
• The opera is set in the play by Pierre Augustin de Beaumarchais and its themes are inequality and rebellion, the foreshadow of the French Revolution. These themes caused the play to be banned by  Louis XV and Emperor Joseph II. Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart's librettist, however, altered the libretto and removed the themes mentioned above, so that Mozart could compose the opera. Once the Emperor approved the libretto, Mozart composed the opera, which turned out to be a huge success.

Did you know?

• The opera's themes are those of infidelity, equality, gender and authority. Themes that are still relevant today. 
• Le Nozze di Figaro is one of Mozart's favourite works. 
• The role of Cherubino is that of a "trousers role", i.e. a woman playing a boy part.
• The first three performances of Le Nozze di Figaro were conducted by Mozart himself. 

You can read the opera's synopsis in the blog: Opera - Le Nozze di Figaro - Synopsis

You can read more about the Countess's Aria in the blog: 

References:

Britannica: The Marriage of Figaro

Royal Opera House: The Marriage of Figaro 2022

Opera Sense: The Marriage of FigaroThe Marriage of Figaro

Boston Baroque:Le Nozze di Figaro

State Opera South Australia: The Marriage of Figaro 

2024