New-York tribune., 1909-07-11
81
MWsARA Isl

ito dictation and transcription? Can any one say
after hearing this "Canzonetta sulP aria. that II IA
unnatural to nnelodize conversations With what
gracious tact the orchestra gives time to susanna
to set down the words Of her mistress! How per-
feet is the musical reproduction Of inquiry and reps
tItion when phrase escapes the memory Of the
writer.
The letter IS written. read over phrase by phrase
and sealed with pin which the Count Is to return
as proof that he has received the note
The wedding festivities begin with presentation
of flowers to the Countess by tho village maidens
among whom in disguise is the rogue CherubnO-ss
fair in hat and gown that the Countess singles him
out Of the throns TO present his noseSay in person
Antonio. who had suspected that he was still about
the palace. exposes him TO the Count, who threat
ems tho most rigorous punishment but is obliged to
grant Barberna's petition that he give his consent
to her marriage TO the page Had he not often told
her to ask him what she pleased when kissing her
I'm secret2 Under the circumstances he can only
grant the little maids wish During the dance
which follows dt is Spanish fandango which
seems to have been popular in Vienna at the time
for GIucI had already made use Of the same melody
in his ballet Don Juan'0. Susanna kneets befors
the Count to have him place the wreath COR veiD
upon her head. and slyly slips the "Canzonetts
sulP Aria into his hands. re pTieks his finger
with the pin drops it. but reading the post
script looks it up so that ne may return it to ths
writer as sign Of understandings In the evening
Barberina. who has been commissioned to carry tls
pin TO her cousin Susanna, loses 1t again. and her
Iamentaton ''L'ho perdita, with its childish soos
while hunting it. is one Of the little gems OF the
opera. From her Figaro learns that the letter
which he had seen the Count read during the dancs
was from susanna and becomes furiously Jealous.
In an air (which was described IN the introduction,
he rails against mans creduity and Woman's faith
lessness The time is TO unmask the Count.
The Countess and Susanna have exchanged dresses
and now come into the garden Left alone. Susanna
gives voice 10 her longing and love for Figaro.
though the situation makes it seem TO be for ths
Count in the air which won great favor in the
concert room: Deb vieni non tsrdar- Here soma
Of otto Jahns words are again appropriate;
Mozart vas right 10 let the feelings OF the low
ing maiden shine forth in all their depth and ppT-
ity for Susanna has none out her flsarc n ner
ones Figaro in his hiding place. nstens sI9 t5 SIS
pectinS her Of awaiting the Count arrival throws
receives It's full dramatic siSnihcat1on y reason OK
the truth Of Susanna's expression ot Ieeins sl-
sanna without her sensual charm. Is tncOnceiFa0is
and trge OF sensuali-y is essential element et
her nature: but Mozart has transhguLea y mo o.,
the grandest achievements OF Greek sculpture
Cherubino watched from different places OF con-
caaIrnent by the Count. Figaro and Susanna, ap-
pears and seeing the Countess. whom ne taxes Ior
susanna confounds not her alone. but also me
Count and Figaro. by his ardent addresses TO her lie
,ta,,rts IN kiss her but 5he Count steps forward
and interposcs his check. The Count attempts 70
box Cherlbino's ears. hut Figaro slipping forward
at the moment, receives the blow instead CON
fusion is at its height Tie Count makes loves 70
his wife thinking she is Susanna, promises heI
dooer and places a ring on her finger seeing
torches approaching. they withdraw into deeper
darkness Susanna shows herself. and Figaro Wh3
takes her for the Countess. acquaints her Of the
Counts doings which ne has just witnessed 81
sanna betrays herself and Figaro resolves 70 Pun
ish her for her masquerading- He makes lo'e 1"
her with extravagsnt pathOs until Interrupted By
sian IN the face Susannas patience had become
exhausted and her temper got the better OF Aer
Judgment. Figaro laughs a, her i'll humor and con-
fesses his trick. but rensvs his sham love-n'aNns
when he secs the Count returning The latter cans
for lights sefzes FTssro and his retainers In tE'
nrssercA Of all he is put 10 shame by the disclosures
81 the personality Of the Countess and susanna
he falls on his knees and asks forgiveness recefs
II and slI ends happily