Opera - Le Nozze di Figaro - Sull' Aria

The duet "Sull'Aria" from W.A.Mozart's opera "Le Nozze di Figaro" which translates to "To The Air/Wind" is sung by Countess Rossina (Soprano) and Susanna (Soprano), during Act 3, Scene 14 (The Aria Database). 

In the Countess' bedroom, The Countess and Susanna are preparing to write a letter to the Count. The Countess is aware that her husband wants to court her maid Susanna. As a result, along with Sussana they try to trick him so that he gets caught. They plan on writing a letter to the Count asking him to meet Susanna at the garden at nighttime, while the Countess will appear and expose him. During the scene The Countess dictates to Susanna the letter's content by describing the scene and elaboraτing on their plan (Lyric Opera of Chicago).    

The duet between  The Countess and Susanna was originally aimed to be composed as a comic aria with satirical elements (Queen's University Belfast) however the final version of the aria is sung more like a lullaby (Welsh National Opera). During the duet, Susanna repeats everything the Countess dictates, possibly to demonstrate the differences in ranking. However, the duet is vocally equal to both singers, including the vocal ranges and the way the vocal lines meet without the one overshadowing the other (Kent State University). 

The arias libretto is translated as follows: (The Aria Database). 

Susanna

Sull' Aria

Floating on the wind

Contessa

Che soave zeffireto 

How sweet is the air

Questa sera spirerà

That will be blowing this evening

Sotto i pini del broschetto

In the bushes

Ei già, il resto capirà

And then, he will understand the rest

Susanna

Certo, certo, il capirà

For sure, for sure he will understand

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 Cherubino and Susanna's duet in the blog here: Opera - Le Nozze di Figaro - Aprite Presto Aprite

You can read more about Figaro and Susanna's duet in the blog here: Opera - Le Nozze di Figaro - Cinque, Dieci, Venti

References:

The Aria Database - Sull Aria

Lyric Opera of Chicago - “Sull’aria… che soave zeffiretto” from Le nozze di Figaro

Queen's University Belfast - 'Che soave zeffiretto' and the structure of Act III of Le Nozze di Figaro

Welsh National Opera - A Musical Exploration of The Marriage of Figaro   

Kent State University - Kent State University Kent State University  

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