Tonight's show was wonderful. The audience was warm and vocal, laughing audibly in funny places and clapping with enthusiasm. We all sensed it early on in the show, and it gave such a lift to all the performers, infusing the show with a vibrant, happy energy. Everyone sounded so good and did so well. I'm just delighted!
I think my favorite moments in this opera are bookends; the overture that opens Figaro and the Finale. The overture is a classic piece, something that is familiar to most ears because it has been used in countless films and commercials. It is gorgeous with just the right rhythms and instrumentation. An example of Mozart's genius. It fills me with excitement every time I sit and listen to it. It's this feeling of "We're beginning! Here we go! The show is happening!"
The Finale starts in a slow, gentle manner, filled with warmth and emotion, and it makes me cry almost every time I hear it. It is about forgiveness. Figaro is a comedy, so things must come right in the end. Here (spoiler alert) the Countess forgives the philandering Count. The Count forgives the Countess for her ruses. Figaro and Susanna rejoice together. But it is more than just a simple pardon; it is a warm river that wraps itself around every audience member. It is about the true meaning of love, about how wonderful love is. But before it becomes maudlin, it launches into a bouncy "Corriam tutti" - "Everyone run!" "Let's all celebrate!" that finishes off the opera with a true joyfulness.
If you haven't heard these two gorgeous pieces, go find them on iTunes immediately. You won't regret it.
~Hope
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