The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro): The Flexible Figaro

THE FLEXIBLE FIGARO: A PERSPECTIVE FOR THE 21st CENTURY From the editors/translators: Why “flexible”? Here is an unprecedented opportunity for opera companies, theater groups, and opera workshops at schools to create their own unique concept and production of Le nozze di Figaro. We have made a new English translation of the entire libretto and, based on the format used at the opera’s Paris première, we have also provided substitute spoken dialogue, taken from the original play by Beaumarchais, Le Mariage de Figaro, for recitatives and set numbers. With this edition, directors and producers have the option of presenting a traditional version of the opera in Italian, as Mozart and Da Ponte wrote it; singing a modern English translation; or turning it into an opera of musical numbers and spoken dialogue. Directors can substitute spoken text (which itself can be pared) for any recitative or set number, thereby tailoring the work to their distinctive personal vision and time restrictions. Unlike most modern editions, the score reflects Mozart's own notation of ornaments. The translation uses minimal inverted syntax and adds far fewer notes to fit the words to the music than the most frequently used 20th-century English translation. We have also placed measure numbers at the beginning of each system to facilitate locating an exact spot in the score. In an effort to highlight the revolutionary and innovative aspects of the play, we have included selected dialogue throughout the opera that reflects the tone of the original text and have even created an optional alternate English translation for Figaro’s misogynistic aria in Act IV, taken from his long Act V monologue in the play. None of Beaumarchais’s openly critical dialogue of the decadent aristocracy would have passed the opera censors in Vienna, but directors today have a choice to restore all or part of the original rebellious flavor of the play. We cordially invite you to create your own Marriage of Figaro! Sherwood Dudley and Miriam Ellis