Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro), with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, is a four-act comic opera set in 18th-century Spain. A sequel to The Barber of Seville, it continues the story of Figaro, now the valet to Count Almaviva, and his clever fiancée Susanna, maid to the Countess.

The opera begins on the day of Figaro and Susanna's wedding. However, trouble arises when they discover that Count Almaviva has been making unwanted advances toward Susanna. Though he had previously abolished the feudal “droit du seigneur” (the supposed right of a nobleman to sleep with a servant’s bride on her wedding night), the Count now wishes to revive it for his own gain. Figaro vows to outwit his master and protect Susanna's honour.

Meanwhile, the Countess, heartbroken over her husband's infidelity, conspires with Figaro and Susanna to expose the Count’s scheming. They hatch a plan: Susanna will agree to a tryst with the Count, but the Countess will disguise herself and take Susanna's place. The plan sets in motion a series of comic misunderstandings, disguises, and mistaken identities.

Adding to the complications is Cherubino, a teenage page infatuated with all women, especially the Countess. His presence leads to more confusion as he is caught hiding, dressed as a girl, and nearly sent away by the Count. Also meddling in the proceedings are Marcellina, an older woman who once hoped to marry Figaro; Dr. Bartolo, who bears a grudge against Figaro; and Basilio, a gossiping music teacher.

Eventually, it is revealed that Figaro is the long-lost son of Marcellina and Bartolo, eliminating any obstacles to his marriage. The comic turmoil culminates in the garden at night, where the mistaken-identity plan plays out. The Count unwittingly flirts with his own wife, thinking she is Susanna. When the truth is revealed, he is humiliated and, in a rare moment of sincerity, begs the Countess for forgiveness.

The opera concludes with reconciliation and celebration. The Countess forgives her husband, the young couples are united, and order is restored.

A masterful blend of comedy and social commentary, The Marriage of Figaro critiques class privilege, champions wit and love over authority, and remains one of Mozart’s most enduring and beloved works.