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The marriage of Figaro

Composer and librettist

Music:W.A.Mozart.Lyrics:Lorenzo da Ponte after Beaumarchais play "La folle journée ou Le mariage de Figaro" (1781)

Libretto

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Première

First performance at Burgtheater in Wienna on 1 of May 1786.

ACT ONE

Morning

Count Almaviva's valet Figaro is to be married to the Countess's maid Susanna. The count has given them a room adjacent to both his own and the Countess's chambers. Figaro thinks this is practical, but Susanna thinks it is more than that: the Count has lost interest in the Countess and has cast his eye on Susanna. Although the Count has publicly renounced his feudal right to the first night with the bride, he still plans to claim it. Figaro decedes to foil the plan. Doctor Bartole and his old housekeeper Marcellina want revenge on Figaro because Figaro helped to abduct his ward Rosina, who is now the Countess Almaviva. Marcellina wants Figaro to keep a promise of marriage he made as security against a loan she gave him. The young page Cherubino, who is infatuated with all the women of the palace, seeks comfort from Susanna. The Count has dismissed him because he has been caught with the gardener's daughter Barbarina. Susanna and Cherubino are surprised by the Count, and Cherubino hides. The Count tries to set up a rendezvous with Susanna and discovers Cherubino, but at that moment Figaro comes in followed by people from the village: they thank the Count for renouncing the right to the first night with the bride. The Count wants to send Cherubino off to the army.

ACT TWO

Noon

The Countess grieves over her husband's loss of interest: Susanna has told her of the Count's advances, and together with Figaro they conceive a plan. Susanna is to arrange a tryst with the Count, but in her place they will send Cherubino disguised as a girl, then the Countess will expose her husband. Figaro has sent an anonymous letter to the Count, hinting that the Countess is to meet a secret lover. The Count thinks that the lover is hiding in the Countess's boudoir, where Susanna is helping Cherubino to change into his disguise. But he only finds Susanna. However, the gardener Antonio strengthens the Count's suspicion, for he has seen someone jumping down from the window. Figaro appears and declares himself the culprit. The Count is furious at Figaro, and when Marcellina appears to press her claim, the Count promises her a careful hearing.

ACT THREE

Evening

Susanna agrees to a rendezvous with the Count. Unfortunately he overhears Susanna,on the way out of the door, whispering to Figaro that they have won the game. The Count calla a lawyer, but during the hearing it emerges that Figaro is in fact Marcellina and Bartolo's illegitimate son and had been stolen away as a child. Marcellina abandons her claim. The gardener Antonio reveals to the Count that Barbarina is keeping Cherubino hidden in the palace. Barbarina promises the Count kisses and caresses if she is allowed to marry Cherubino. The Countess, however, is unwilling to give up Figaro's plan - she wants to awaken the Count's interest again. She decides that she herself will go to the rendezvous disguised as Susanna. Together with Susanna she writes a letter to the Count sealed with a pin which he is to return as a sign that he will come. During her wedding ceremony Susanna slips the letter into the Count's hand.

ACT FOUR

Night

Barbarina has lost the pin that the count has asked her to give to Susanna, and naively tells Figaro about the coming rendezvous. He thinks that Susanna is unfaithful to him and wants revenge. Marcellina tells Susanna about Figaro's jealousy, and Susanna decides to tease him by pretending she is waiting for a lover. They are all ready for their meetings when Cherubino confusingly appears. Because of the disguise he thinks that the Countess is Susanna, and tries to kiss her. The Count bursts in, but himself has to break off his wooing when Figaro walks past and meets Susanna disguised as the Countess. Bit Figaro recognizes Susanna's voice and to tease her declares his love to "the Countess". Susanna repays the compliments with slaps. The Count summons them all together to expose his faithless wife, whom he refuses to forgive. When the real Countess steps forward he falls on his knees and begs forgiveness - which he receives. After this day of suffering, caprice and folly it is now time for love and festivities.

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