Music can be defined as a composition of sounds created by diverse musical instruments or people’s voices, computers, or a combination of these tools. It is a multinational phenomenon; therefore, sometimes, it helps break language barriers and stereotypes and unite people from various nations or cultural environments. The power of music can hardly be measured; however, it is well-known that individuals can define its importance for themselves.
I had the pleasure of attending the concert The Marriage of Figaro, created by Mozart. The performance hall was large, beautifully decorated, and crowded. The hall was illuminated by beautiful lights and projectors, which created an effect of ancient times and helped the viewers better understand the specifics, motives, and main idea of the opera. The performance consisted of four acts and told the audience a story about two servants, Figaro and Susanna, and their success in getting married. I enjoyed watching this piece of art because of the trembling atmosphere inside the hall, the professionalism of the singers, the clarity of sound, and the greatness of Mozart’s work.
The Marriage of Figaro is an opera buffa or a comic opera in four acts that was composed in 1786 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with an Italian libretto. The masterpiece was created during the Classical period and an era of classical music; therefore, several features of this epoch are evident in the opera. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the best-known composers of the Classical period. This era is generally characterized by a clear texture but, at the same time, more exquisite use of form. Variety and contrast are two main features that are generally recognized in the opera’s music, and the orchestra showed a rise in power and size. The Marriage of Figaro is one of the most famous examples of the Classical era; hence, it encompasses many of the traits mentioned above.
The main peculiarity of opera music is its underlined activity and energy. Figaro utilizes short and emphatic phrases that generally do not lie on a melody. The rhymes are resilient and expressive, and the tempo is fast. In addition, modal development is based on the major diatonic. One of the peculiarities of the created melodies was suggested by the singers’ voices, that varied from sopranos and basses to baritones and tenors. It is well-known that earlier, during music performances, the main lead was given to librettos, recitatives were utilized for the development of the plot, and arias aimed to demonstrate the power of the voices. However, Mozart implements an end-to-end plot development, and the music is organically plaited into being an additional tool for underlining the main characters and developing its own dramatic development. Moreover, The Marriage of Figaro is written on a major scale in the key of D major.
A range of one and a half octaves, a one-dimensional movement in terms of the sounds of triads and seventh chords, step alteration, chromatic passing sounds – all these features from the peculiarities of the opera. The repetition is rare as the music varies from aria to aria; however, I managed to notice several similar melodies or motives. I would say that the work sounds balanced due to these interchanges because a dynamic and active part is later substituted by a more passive segment. Additionally, arias are generally consonant; however, sometimes, an implication of dissonance can be noticed as well.
I am a big admirer of opera not only because of the elegance of music present in these masterpieces but also because of the deep sense each song or aria bears. For example, The Marriage of Figaro has a considerable social meaning and concentrates on interpersonal relationships and intrigue. In this case, the music plays a crucial role as the immanent sensuality of music leaves a mark on the opera’s notional accents. In addition, diverse changes in music can be recognized from era to era, and noticing these discrepancies is a great hobby of mine. This constant development and search for new music and life is what motivates and encourages me a lot.