Album: Le nozze di Figaro

Overview
"Le nozze di Figaro" (The Marriage of Figaro) is a 1985 album including the opera buffa (comic opera) made up by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1786. The opera, with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, is based upon the play "Le Mariage de Figaro" by Pierre Beaumarchais. The album features a recording of the total opera, which tells the story of a single "mad day" of deception, camouflage, and romantic intrigue. The four-act opera remains an ageless classic, celebrated for its genius musical structures, witty libretto, and compelling story. The 1985 recording includes an all-star cast conducted by the well-regarded Sir Georg Solti.

Plot Summary
"Le nozze di Figaro" takes place in Count Almaviva's estate near Seville, Spain, and follows the story of the resourceful servant Figaro and his bride, Susanna. The main plot revolves around Figaro's efforts to thwart the advances of his master, Count Almaviva, towards Susanna prior to their marital relationship. Along the way, the characters are entangled in different subplots concerning love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

The first act presents the characters and sets the stage for the ensuing chaos. Figaro and Susanna are excitedly planning their wedding event when they find the Count's amorous intents towards Susanna. Figaro swears to outsmart his master and safeguard his bride-to-be. Meanwhile, the Countess Almaviva regrets her hubby's infidelity and conspires with Susanna and Figaro to expose the Count's plans.

The 2nd act sees the characters participating in a series of deceptions to accomplish their goals. Countess Almaviva and Susanna draft a letter inviting the Count to a secret tryst, while Figaro plots to send out the flirty teen Cherubino in place of Susanna. The act ends with Figaro directly escaping a required marriage to Marcellina, an older female, when it is revealed that she is his long-lost mother.

In the third act, the Count ends up being significantly suspicious of his partner and servants' plot against him, leaving the Countess and Susanna scrambling to preserve their ruse. In the middle of the confusion, Figaro faces a potential obstacle when the Count produces proof suggesting Figaro is a nobleman with formerly unidentified ties. However, this brand-new discovery just strengthens Figaro's resolve to outsmart the Count.

The final act unfolds in a moonlit garden where incorrect identities and concealed enthusiasts abound. The characters navigate through the convoluted web of deceptiveness, leading to the ultimate expose of Figaro's fancy plan. The opera concludes with the Count looking for forgiveness from the Countess, the assurance of Figaro and Susanna's marital relationship, and the promise of continued adventures in the kind of a 3rd play by Beaumarchais, "La mère coupable" (The Guilty Mother).

Music and Reception
"Le nozze di Figaro" is extensively recognized as a masterpiece of opera, with Mozart's genius for tune, harmony, and emotional depth showed in abundance. The score includes exceptional ensemble numbers, comical arias, and poignant minutes of self-questioning. Standout pieces such as "Non più andrai", "Voi che sapete", "Dove sono", and "Le nozze di Figaro" display Mozart's rich operatic writing and timeless appeal.

The 1985 album, performed by Sir Georg Solti, includes a stellar global cast that brings the opera to life with outstanding singing performances and splendid musicianship. The recording was met crucial recognition and stays a preferred among opera fans and music aficionados.

In conclusion, the 1985 album of Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" is a testament to the enduring power of the composer's ability and the ageless appeal of the story. With its appealing plot and delightful musical score, "Le nozze di Figaro" is an opera that continues to captivate audiences more than 2 centuries after its creation.