Mozart Classical Revolution

When discussing the great works and composers of the classical period, one cannot get too far without the name Mozart entering the conversation. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is arguably one of the most talented composers of the Classical period. He proved himself to be a true musical prodigy through his unique style and lasting compositions of many genres. His operas are renown as some of the most important works for the opera genre, and none more so than his opera buffa The Marriage of Figaro. Known as one of the most acclaimed and performed operas of all time, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro helped change the face of opera in the classical period.

Before discussing the opera setting of The Marriage of Figaro more in depth, it is important to note the changes and important ideals of its music period. The classical period of music was a result of many changes as the Baroque period style started to fade from popularity. The most important transformation, however, was the result of a revolution in the way people began to view themselves and others. Brought about in this period was the Enlightenment: the idea of promoting the welfare of humankind. The leaders of the Enlightenment were mainly French poets and philosophers, namely Rousseau, Voltaire, and Montesquieu, and were strong revolutionaries of social reform in favor of the common people of the time. This idea of the lower class becoming equal in social status to their rich counterparts became a very common theme of drama in the classical period, especially the genre of opera buffa.

Opera buffa can be defined as an Italian style of comic opera that has many characters and whose text is sung all the way through the work. It also generally jests about the problems of the period, sho...

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...ty Mother, and the Countess aria Porgi, amor, qualche ristor in which the Countess expresses her pain as she finally accepts that her husband does not love and care for her as he did previously. The entire work comes together at the end with the count asking for his wife’s forgiveness, and her choosing to forgive him, for she is a bigger person than he, which is a typical king of statement is typical in an opera buffa.

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro brought new life to opera in the classical period. This feat is one we can only come to expect of Mozart. His mastery of this style of opera sealed his place in history in the opera genre. His operas would continue to be masterful works throughout the period, and his successes were duly deserved. The Marriage of Figaro is still performed to this day around the world and is one of the most performed operas of all time.