Mozart Overture to Le Nozze di Figaro

Overture to Le Nozze di Figaro

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Eighteenth century operas were usually set in motion by introductory orchestra pieces which signaled the start of proceedings and shushed the audience---in an age of candles it was impossible to dim the houselights! In France an ouverture provided a stately formality befitting its regal origins, while the Italians heard a bustling 3-movement sinfonia, which eventually blossomed into what we now call a “symphony.” Mozart borrowed from both traditions, often with confusing results. The term “ouverture” was used in the case of Mozart’s German operas, even though the Abduction from the Seraglio is introduced by a fine example of the sinfonia, while the “ouverture” to The Magic Flute begins with a majestic slow introduction worthy of the French tradition. Still, while Don Giovanni opens with an equally impressive slow introduction, Mozart chose to call it a “sinfonia.”

Today we usually simplify matters by calling all of these pieces “overtures.” In the case of The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart composed a one-movement sinfonia, a compact sonataform structure which omits the development section as it dashes toward the opening curtain. Here, as perhaps never before, the “overture” truly sets out the essence of the dramatic piece to follow. Three minutes of high spirits, mischief and warm sentiment prepare the listener for the world of Cherubino, the Countess and the opera’s rich spectrum of characterisation. As for mischief, one cannot not but applaud Hollywood’s shrewd choice of this work to provide an “overture” to the Eddie Murphy film, Trading Places!

NCO Concert