The Marriage of Figaro

The performance of The Marriage of Figaro at the Metropolitan Opera on the night of September 22^nd was fantastic. Being my first opera, I did not know what to expect or how interesting it would be. However, from the moment the conductor began his extravagant motions, I knew this would be an enjoyable opera, and I was not wrong.

The opera began with the overture and the conductor was clearly visible by his elaborate motions and gestures. I did not find this to be a problem, as I thought it added more emotion to the opera and showed the conductor’s love for opera. Once the curtain was raised, the opera began in Italian. I was at first a little concerned about this because I do not know Italian and I did not like the idea of having to look at the little screen in front of me to understand the opera. However, as the opera progressed, I grew accustomed to listening to the opera and then reading the translation on the screen. It was helpful that most of the lines were spoken twice, which gave me more time to listen and read.

The singing and music were amazing to say the least. All the performers had amazing voices and the music fit the situation at hand. I found it remarkable how the performers were able to synchronize with the orchestra almost perfectly. In addition to the wonderful singing and music, the story itself was interesting. Although highly unlikely to occur in real life, it was very entertaining to watch. My favorite part was when Figaro discovers that Marcellina, the woman who he is being forced to marry, is actually his mother. This was a very enjoying scene because of its irony.

The only thing that can be compared to the acting of the opera is the set itself. I was amazed when the curtain was first lifted and it looked as if the sun were in fact shining on stage. I wondered how they managed to make it look so realistic, and still do not know the answer. It was very interesting to watch the light change as the opera progressed. As the day progressed in the opera, the light gradually changed from daylight to nighttime. However, when the set began to move, I completely forgot about the lighting. Many people were in awe when the set first began to spin, as was I, for I had no idea this was going to happen. I was surprised that the performers were able to keep their balance, concentration, and continue singing as the stage was moving, for the stage was at an angle, making it very easy to slip.

Overall, The Marriage of Figaro was an amazing opera, especially since this was my first time attending an opera. The singing was great, the orchestra was amazing, and the set was remarkable. The plot kept almost everyone interested and hardly anyone was upset when they left the Metropolitan Opera that night.