The Marriage of Figaro

Now available for the first time in a sturdily produced, reasonably priced paperbound edition is the complete orchestral score of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, widely considered the greatest comic opera ever written. Based on the second play of a trilogy by Beaumarchais (the first was The Barber of Seville ), Figaro elevates the time-honored opera buffa of Italian tradition to new heights, transfiguring persons and scenes with glorious melodies and superb dramatic characterizations. This edition, based on Mozart's autograph manuscript and early German translations of the libretto, embodies both the original Italian libretto of Lorenzo Da Ponte and a new corrected version of the German text. It is totally complete and contains all passages, including some that are missing from other editions and often cut in performances. In addition, the Editor's Commentary includes a complete review of all dubious passages and text problems. This full orchestral score is an indispensable aid for study and for anyone listening to recordings or live performances. In no other manner can the listener or student keep full awareness of the many elements that make up this opera.