Movie spotlight
Les Noces de Figaro, Opéra Garnier de Paris
The Marriage of Figaro is one of the most emblematic operas in the repertoire. Brahms spoke of it as a “miracle” and the Countess' complaint still resonates today as one of the most heartbreaking musical pages. It was by resuming Beaumarchais' comedy, which caused a scandal in Parisian society, that Mozart and his librettist Da Ponte began their first collaboration. The play was banned by Joseph II in 1785 at the Vienna Theater. Is it because it exposed too much to the forefront the contradictions of an already faltering regime, ready to collapse with the French Revolution? Netia Jones preserves the very essence of Beaumarchais' play by questioning human relationships with humor but not without mischief, in a production which confuses reality and fiction to the point of asking, like the Count: "Are we playing a comedy?" »
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Plot Summary
This production of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" transports the classic comic opera to a lavish 18th-century Parisian setting. The story follows Count Almaviva's attempts to seduce his page Cherubino and his own wife's maid, Susanna, on her wedding day to Figaro. Through a series of clever schemes and mistaken identities orchestrated by Susanna and Countess Almaviva, the servants manage to outwit their master and ensure that love and loyalty prevail.
Critical Reception
The 2022 production of "Les Noces de Figaro" at Opéra Garnier was generally met with positive reviews, praising the vocal performances and the directorial vision. Critics highlighted the energy and precision of the orchestra, as well as the artistic choices in staging and costume design that brought the opera to life for a modern audience.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its superb vocal talents and vibrant musical direction.
Noted for its elegant and visually appealing staging.
Commended for its energetic interpretation of Mozart's comedic masterpiece.
Google audience: Audience feedback for this production generally focused on the outstanding quality of the singing and the impressive orchestral accompaniment. Many expressed appreciation for the beautiful set design and the overall sophisticated atmosphere of the performance.
Fun Fact
The original "The Marriage of Figaro" (Le nozze di Figaro) premiered in 1786, a mere five years before the French Revolution, and its themes of class struggle and servant cleverness resonated strongly with audiences of the time.
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