The duet "Cinque, Dieci, Venti" from W.A.Mozart's opera "Le Nozze di Figaro" which translates to "Five, Ten, Twenty" is sung by Figaro (bass-baritone) and Susanna (Soprano), during Act 1, Scene 1 (The Aria Database).
Figaro and Susanna are preparing for their wedding. In this aria, Figaro measures the room to figure out if it fits the bridal bed (i.e. the reason why the aria starts with the numbers five, ten, twenty) while at the same time Susanna tries on and fixes her hat/veil (cappellino) which she will be wearing at the wedding. (Arisona Opera). Figaro is focused on the measurements while Susanna wants him to admire her capellino.
Musically, the fast movement of the semiquavers at the beginning of the duet, portray a lively environment. Figaro's steady and monotonous counting shows a stable character that is taking care of everyday chores whereas Susanna's melodic line with numerous leaps, contrasts Figaro's steadiness and expresses excitement and happiness. Throughout the duet, Figaro follows Susanna's musical lines giving way to her excitement. As a result Figaro "surrenders" to Susanna who is more than happy to lead the duet. (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Diploma Thesis by Philothei Anastasiadou)
The arias libretto is translated as follows: (The Aria Database).
Figaro
Cinque, dieci, venti, trenta, trentasei, quarantatre...
Five, ten, twenty, thirty, thirty-six, fourty-three
Susanna
Ora sì ch'io son contenta
Yes, I am very pleased with this
sembra fatto inver per me
it seems just made for me
Guarda un po', mio caro Figaro
Take a look, my dear Figaro
Guarda adesso il mio capello
Look at my hat
Figaro
Sì mio core or è più bello
Yes my heart, it is very beautiful
sembra fatto inver per te
it seems just made for you
Tutti
Ah, il mattino alle nozze vicino
Ah, in the morning of our wedding
quanto è dolce al mio/tuo tenere sposo
How sweet for my/your sweet love
questo bel cappellino vezzoso
this pretty hat
che Susanna è la stessa si fe
which Susanna made by herself
You can read more facts about the opera "Le Nozze di Figaro" in the blog: Le Nozze di Figaro - Facts About The Opera
You can read the opera's synopsis in the blog: Opera - Le Nozze di Figaro - Synopsis
You can read more about the Contessa's aria in the blog here: Opera - 'Le Nozze Di Figaro' - "Dove Sono"
You can read more about The Countess and Susanna's duet in the blog here: Opera - Le Nozze di Figaro - Sull'Aria
You can read more about Cherubino and Susanna's duet in the blog here: Opera - Le Nozze di Figaro - Aprite, Presto Aprite
References:
The Aria Database - Cinque... Dieci... Venti
Arisona Opera - The Marriage of Figaro
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - Diploma Thesis by Philothei Anastasiadou
2026
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