Genii Albright
Brochure Part 3
Scott Dionne
WR 123
Mozart's: "Cosi fan tutte"
("Women are Like That")
Mozart said, to be a master of all forms of composition, had a great passion for the opera. His love of the opera is obvious as he displays intense theory through a comical exhibition. He, even before Freud, explored the depths of human behavior. Mozart questioned the motives and morals of those around him. He was not one to take the aristocratic views as his own. He often thumbed his nose at the traditional way of doing things. One can see Mozart's remarkable talent in the production of "Cosi fan tutte." This show is a classic illustration of Mozart's ability to make a serious statement in a nonsensical manner. He was one of the greatest composers of the seventeenth century yet because of his rebellious nature struggled throughout his short life.
His opera buffa was full of satirical comedy and subtle jibes at the character of man. "Cosi fan tutte" is a shining example of Mozart's ability to laugh at the complexity of the relationships between men and women.
"Cosi fan tutte" translated means "Women are Like That." It reveals a side of love that is dark and desperate. It attempts to show women as creatures run by emotion ready to settle for attention rather than love. This opera had an underlying dynamic of powerful psychological components that insinuated a moral opinion on the integrity of love. Making light of such controversial and serious subject matter was important in getting the audience to listen. The unspeakable somehow found a voice through witty farcical stories that planted seeds. It seemed if we were able to find the humor in men's mistrust of women and women's compulsion...
Writing about opera
The name of an opera should be in Italics, not quotes. And the belief that Mozart "struggled throughout his short life" is a myth. He was rich, partied constantly, and was one of the most famous and powerful people of his time. Be careful where you get your information.
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