Description
Book SynopsisIt was a treat so truly intellectual that every ear and every breast, susceptible of harmony and of impression, was gratified to a degree beyond our power to describe. Thus reads one of the first London reviews of Così fan tutte. Its enigmatic mixture of a detached experiment in human foibles and a struggle of sincere emotions has often disturbed audiences. H.C. Robbins Landon observes, however, that Mozart's heartfelt music proves he is openly on the side of the angels the ladies not the deceivers, however cynical Da Ponte's words appear to be. Brian Trowell describes the sophisticated world in which the opera was conceived, while John Stone traces the origins of the libretto to Ancient Greece, medieval Italy and even to China. The text is certainly Da Ponte's most original work, and is here presented in Revd M.E. Browne's acclaimed translation, revised by John Cox.Contents: Mozart at the time of Così fan tutte', Brian Trowell; A Commentary on the Score, H.C. Robbins Landon; The Bac
Trade Review"Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series." "TLS"
Table of ContentsList of illustrations Mozart at the time of 'Cosi' fan tutte' by Brian Trowell A Commentary on the Score by H.C. Robbins Landon The Background to the Libretto by John Stone A Performance History by Nicholas John Thematic Guide 'Cosi fan tutte' Dramma Giocoso in Two Acts by Lorenzo da Ponte English translation by Marmaduke E. Browne revised by John Cox Notes on the Versions and the Translation Act One Act Two A Note on 'Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo' by John Stone Discography by David Nice Bibliography
