Opera Research PaperEvan HochbergApril 21, 2014Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 in Salzburg, part of what is now modern Austria (BBC, 2014 ). Son of a musician, Leopold, Mozart was born into a musical education. He quickly became very proficient on the harpsichord and even composed his own works at the age of 5. Mozart gained significant development during an early childhood trip through Europe, where he and his family met and played for famous musicians of the time. He was heavily influenced by his interactions with Johann Christian Bach, the song of the much more famous Johann Sebastian Bach. Mozart also discovered opera during his travels across Europe. After briefly living in Germany and France, Mozart returned to his native Austria in 1778 after the death of his mother. Mozart was incredibly productive in Austria, despite his personal challenges. He composed 41 symphonies, many of which remain the most popular musical works in history. He also composed 22 operas, one of the most famous of which is The Marriage of Figaro. In the late 1700s, Mozart was composing in Vienna (Schwarm, 2013). Hoping for great success, Mozart requested permission to write an opera based on an earlier controversial piece by Beaumarchais, but this time in a toned down manner. He received permission and began writing The Marriage of Figaro. Mozart collaborated with Lorenzo Da Ponte on the libretto for The Marriage of Figaro, as well as two other Mozart operas, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte (Mountain, 2006). ). The libretto was written in the style of opera buffa, which was comic. Mozart and Da Ponte were neighbors in Vienna during the composition of The Marriage of ...... middle of paper ......ening which quickly becomes ethereal and mystical (Glass, 2014). This heavenly part quickly ends with a strong part of trumpets and timpani which becomes noisy and eventful. Although the overture is not repeated throughout the opera, it is considered one of Mozart's finest works, not only in the opera, but also in his career. The opera premiered in Vienna on May 1, 1786 (History, 2014). By this time, Mozart was already well known and had created a successful career for himself. The Marriage of Figaro was acclaimed by the public, but aroused by the anger of the aristocratic classes. The first performances were so popular that the number of encores had to be limited by the emperor. This success led Mozart and Da Ponte to collaborate together on their next two projects. Although toned down compared to the original play, the masses were pleased with the comedic nature of The Marriage of Figaro..