Unveiling the Epic Length of The Opera Marriage of Figaro: Exploring Its Enduring Charm

With its enchanting music and timeless storyline, the opera ‘Marriage of Figaro’ has captured the hearts of audiences for centuries. But just how long does this beloved production run? In this article, we will delve into the length of ‘Marriage of Figaro’, exploring its history, significance, and enduring appeal. So sit back, relax, and join us as we uncover the answer to the question: how long is the opera ‘Marriage of Figaro’?

The Composition and History of ‘The Marriage of Figaro’

The opera ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ (or originally titled as ‘Le nozze di Figaro’ in Italian) is a four-act comic opera composed by the renowned Austrian composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is known to be one of the most famous and beloved operas in the history of classical music. The libretto was written by Lorenzo Da Ponte, who also wrote the libretto for Mozart’s other famous opera, ‘Don Giovanni’.

The idea for the opera originated from a French play called ‘Le Mariage de Figaro’ written by Pierre Beaumarchais in 1778. Da Ponte adapted the play into a libretto for Mozart’s opera, which premiered on May 1st, 1786 at the Burgtheater in Vienna.

Despite having a successful premiere, ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ faced initial challenges due to its controversial theme that criticized social class and hierarchy. The Empress Maria Theresa initially banned it due to its political implications. However, with the support of Emperor Joseph II, it managed to continue its production and gradually gained critical acclaim.

The Plot and Characters of ‘The Marriage of Figaro’

‘The Marriage of Figaro’ is set in late 18th-century Spain and revolves around the servants at Count Almaviva’s castle – Figaro (a barber and Jack-of-all-trades) and Susanna (a maid). The Count has expressed his desire to exercise his right to sleep with Susanna before her wedding night. However, Susanna is not willing to betray her fiance; thus begins a series of events where Figaro schemes with Susanna to outsmart the Count’s advances.

Along with Figaro and Susanna, there are many other characters who add depth and complexity to the story. The Countess (Almaviva’s wife) is heartbroken and plots with Figaro and Susanna to teach her husband a lesson. Cherubino, a young page who has feelings for the Countess, also plays a significant role in the drama. Marcellina, Bartolo, and Basilio are other supporting characters who add to the intricate web of deceit and romance.

The Impact and Significance of ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ in Opera History

‘The Marriage of Figaro’ marked a significant shift in opera history as it was one of the first operas to feature common people as the main characters rather than aristocrats or mythical figures. This made it relatable to the audience and added a new level of realism to opera.

Mozart’s exceptional music composition also added to the success and impact of ‘The Marriage of Figaro’. His use of intricate melodies, expressive harmonies, and varied tempos captured the emotions of each character flawlessly. For instance, the famous ‘Sull’aria’ duet between Susanna and Barbarina is a beautiful expression of their shared secret plans.

The opera also paved the way for future operas with its unique blend of comedy, drama, and romance. It set a benchmark for many other composers to create masterpieces that incorporated similar elements.

The Length and Duration of ‘The Marriage of Figaro’

The entire performance length including intermissions is typically around three hours long. However, it can vary slightly depending on each production’s specific staging choices.

Act 1 lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour while Act 2 ranges between 45 minutes to an hour as well. Act 3 is typically shorter than Act 1 and takes about half an hour. Finally, Act 4 lasts around 30-45 minutes depending on how quickly events unfold.

Overall, ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ takes an average of three hours to perform, making it one of the longer opera productions. However, the captivating storyline and Mozart’s enthralling music make the entire experience seem much shorter.

The Most Famous Arias from ‘The Marriage of Figaro’

‘The Marriage of Figaro’ is filled with numerous memorable arias, duets, and ensembles that have become timeless classics. One of the most famous arias is ‘Non più andrai’, sung by Figaro in Act 1. It is a lively and humorous song where Figaro mocks Cherubino’s love for romance and women.

Another popular aria is ‘Voi che sapete’, sung by Cherubino in Act 2. It is a heartfelt song where Cherubino expresses his love for the Countess despite knowing it is unattainable.

‘Sull’aria’ is another beloved duet between Susanna and Barbarina in Act 3 where they plan their secret rendezvous with the help of the Countess.

Finally, ‘Dove sono i bei momenti’, sung by the Countess in Act 3, is a melancholic yet powerful aria where she expresses her feelings of betrayal and longing for her husband.

Overview of The Opera Marriage of Figaro

The opera Marriage of Figaro, also known as Le nozze di Figaro in Italian, is a renowned masterpiece created by the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is a comic opera (opera buffa) in four acts that premiered on May 1, 1786, at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria. The libretto was written by famous Italian playwright and poet Lorenzo Da Ponte and is based on a French play called La Folle Journée, ou le Mariage de Figaro (The Mad Day, or The Marriage of Figaro) by Pierre Beaumarchais. The opera is set in the late 18th century and revolves around the complicated and humorous story of love, intrigue, and power struggles between the characters.

The Plot

The story begins with Count Almaviva who wants to exercise his ancient privilege known as “the right of the first night” with his servant Susanna on her wedding night. However, Susanna is engaged to Figaro, who is also the Count’s valet. With the help of other characters such as Cherubino (the Count’s page), Marcellina (housekeeper), Dr. Bartolo (Susanna’s former guardian), and Don Basilio (music teacher), Susanna plans to outsmart him and teach him a lesson. The Count’s wife – Countess Rosina – also gets involved in the plan to teach her unfaithful husband a lesson.

Amidst all this drama, Cherubino confesses his love for two women – Barbarina (daughter of Antonio) and Countess Rosina – which further complicates things. To add to the chaos, Marcellina claims that Figaro owes her money from a long time ago and that he must either marry her or pay her back. Figaro becomes anxious and seeks help from his mother, who turns out to be Marcellina. To everyone’s surprise, it is revealed that Marcellina is Figaro’s long-lost mother, and Figaro can happily marry Susanna without any hindrance.

In the end, the Count realizes his mistake and seeks forgiveness from the Countess. She forgives him, and all the characters come together to celebrate the union of Figaro and Susanna. The opera ends with a happy ending for everyone.

The Music

Mozart’s masterful composition in Marriage of Figaro has made it one of the most beloved operas across the world. From the overture to the finale, Mozart’s music evokes a range of emotions – from laughter to sorrow – that beautifully complement the storyline. The opera features several iconic arias such as “Non so più cosa son” (I don’t know anymore what I am), “Voi che sapete” (You who know), “Deh vieni non tardar” (Oh come do not delay), and “Se vuol ballare” (If you want to dance).

What makes Mozart’s music in Marriage of Figaro so special is how he captures each character’s personality through their unique musical styles. For instance, Count Almaviva has a more pompous and regal style, while Figaro has a quick-paced comic style. On the other hand, Susanna’s music is more romantic and charming while Cherubino’s is more innocent and playful.

The Characters

One of the main highlights of Marriage of Figaro is its complex yet well-developed characters who bring depth and humor to the story. Each character has their own desires, motivations, and flaws that drive their actions throughout the opera.

Figaro is smart, witty and resourceful – an essential quality for a servant who must always be one step ahead of his master. Susanna is clever, charming, and full of love, making her the perfect match for Figaro. Count Almaviva is a powerful and authoritative character but hides his own insecurities behind his charm. Countess Rosina is graceful, loving, and forgiving – a stark contrast to her husband’s behavior. Cherubino is young and naive, but also romantic and deeply in love with love itself.

The supporting characters such as Marcellina, Dr. Bartolo, and Don Basilio add to the humor and chaos in the story with their cunning ways and absurd ideas.

Reception and Legacy

Marriage of Figaro has been performed countless times since its premiere in 1786. It was an immediate success upon its first performance in Vienna, with many praising Mozart’s music and the brilliant comedic storyline by Da Ponte. The opera has remained popular among audiences worldwide due to its timeless themes of love, betrayal, forgiveness, power struggles, and socio-economic class issues.

Today, Marriage of Figaro continues to be recognized as one of Mozart’s greatest works and one of the greatest operas ever written. It has been adapted into various forms such as movies,

1) How long is the average runtime of the opera Marriage of Figaro?
The average runtime for the opera Marriage of Figaro is typically around 3 hours, with one intermission.

2) Can the length of the Opera Marriage of Figaro vary between different performances?
Yes, the length of performances for Marriage of Figaro can vary depending on each production and cast interpretation.

3) Is there a recommended age limit for children attending a performance of Marriage of Figaro?
There is no age limit for children attending this opera, however, it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to mature themes and length of performance.

4) Do productions of Marriage of Figaro have supertitles or English translations?
Most productions will have supertitles or English translations displayed in order to help audience members follow along with the Italian language.

5) Are there any significant differences in the length between different versions or adaptations of Marriage of Figaro?
While there may be slight variations in runtime, major operatic companies typically adhere to the original score and have similar lengths for their productions.

6) I want to attend a performance but don’t enjoy sitting for long periods. Will there be any breaks during Marriage of Figaro?
Yes, most performances will include an intermission at around halfway through the opera to give audience members a chance to stretch their legs.

In conclusion, the opera Marriage of Figaro is a beloved and timeless classic that has captivated audiences for centuries. Its length, which varies depending on the interpretation and performance, does not diminish its immense cultural and artistic value. Through its flawless composition, intricate plot, and unforgettable characters, this masterpiece by Mozart embodies the pinnacle of operatic art. From the larger themes of love, power, and class struggle to the smallest nuances of musical motifs and vocal technique, Marriage of Figaro continues to enthrall and inspire generations.

One could argue that the length of this opera allows for a richer storytelling experience with ample room for character development and emotional depth. On the other hand, others may view it as an opportunity for tediousness or excessive indulgence. However, this debate only adds to the enduring fascination with the work.

Furthermore, by exploring themes that are still relevant in today’s society, such as gender equality and social hierarchy, Marriage of Figaro remains a thought-provoking piece that transcends time and cultural barriers. It serves as a reminder that art has the power to hold a mirror up to human nature and spark critical conversations about timeless issues.

Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or someone new to this genre, Marriage of Figaro offers an unforgettable experience that is