Operas by Mozart

Inspired by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's production of Mozart's The Magic Flute, Indianapolis Opera would like to highlight Operas by Mozart. A child prodigy, Mozart quickly began to effect the classical music world. He laid the groundwork for many future composers. His gift for melody and ability to play with orchestral timbre are still notable today. He transformed the world of comedic opera and created realistic, relatable characters. His legacy on the world of opera and classical music is immeasurable. 
Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) - "Deh vieni, non tardar"

The Marriage of Figaro follows the comedic story of 2 pairs of young lovers, the Count and Countess and Figaro and Susanna (servants to the Count and Countess). However, their relationships face challenges - infidelity, gossip, disguise, and miscommunication. ​Susanna (disguised as the Countess) sings this aria directly to her “beloved” while Figaro is in earshot. Figaro falls for the ruse, as was Susanna's intent all along, and declares his love for her. 
Così fan tutte (Women are Like That) - "In uomini, in soldati"

Così fan tutte is a comedic opera, featuring "fiancée swapping," a theme dating back to the 13th century. Ferrando and Guglielmo (two officers) are certain that their fiancées (Dorabella and Fiordiligi, respectively) will be faithful. Don Alfonso doesn't buy it and bets Ferrando and Guglielmo that they won't be faithful. So the men go off to war and return in disguise and attempt to seduce the other's fiancée. This aria is sung by Despina, their maid, who suggests they should take new lovers while theirs are away. This contemporary adaptation by the Met Opera is set in the United States in the 1950's.
Don Giovanni - "Madamina, il catalogo è questo"

The title character, Don Giovanni, is a scoundrel who tries to seduce any girl he can. His servant, Leporello, begrudgingly aides him in his "noble quests" to seduce women using disguises and any other means necessary. With accusations of rape and murder, Don Giovanni finds himself in all kinds of trouble. This aria is toward the beginning of the opera and is a catalogue of all his sexual "conquests."
The Magic Flute - "The Queen of the Night"

In The Magic Flute, the Queen of the Night persuades Prince Tamino to rescue her daughter Pamina from the high priest Sarastro. Instead, he is swayed to join his side. Separately, then together, Tamino and Pamina encounter intense trials of initiation and work to vanquish the Queen and her following. This aria is from the second act, in which the Queen of the Night coerces her daughter Pamina to assassinate Sarastro, the Queen's rival, threatening to curse Pamina if she does not comply.