Here's what I wrote for the magazine this month about the opera, Cosi fan tutte:
"Sung in Italian, with projected English translations, Così fan tutte is a story of two sisters and deception. The opera is a revealing tale of two men who make a bet to test the fidelity of their girlfriends. Filled with wit, irony, laughter, and pathos, this opera is filled with some of Mozart’s most exquisite music for the lyric stage.
The storyline tells of two suitors, Ferrando and Guglielmo, who have great faith in the fidelity of their soon to be wives, Fiordiligi and Dorabella. They meet a cynical old bachelor, Don Alfonso, and he debates them and eventually persuades the gentlemen to test the faithfulness of their fiancees. Ferrando and Guglielmo pretend to depart on a long journey with the army; but return shortly, unrecognizable to the two ladies. They introduce themselves, and shower them with excess affection, each attentive to the betrothed of his friend. Fiordiligi and Dorabella are very indignant at the attentions paid to them by the newcomers, and their lovers are consequently delighted.
Despina, the maid of the two sisters, tells them not to be so impolite and explains how they should handle potential suitors. Dorabella and Fiordiligi listen intently and decide a little flirting would be harmless.
Still disguised, Guglielmo and Fiordiligi arrange a serenade in the garden. True to their bet, Guglielmo pursues Dorabella while Ferrando woos Fiordiligi. She admits he has touched her heart. When the men compare notes, Guglielmo is glad to see Fiordiligi still refusing the love of Ferrando, but Ferrando is disappointed that Dorabella has succumbed Guglielmo’s charms. While alone, Ferrando expresses his love for Dorabella, though he feels betrayed.
Fiordiligi reprimands Dorabella for being capricious, although she admits that in her heart she has fallen for the stranger. Fiordiligi decides to drag her sister off to join their sweethearts at the front and Ferrando threatens suicide if she does not give in. This infuriates Guglielmo, and prompts Alfonso to advise forgiveness: “that’s the way women are”, he claims.
Soon the sisters agree to marry the new suitors. What will happen when Ferrando and Gugielmo return?"
I can't wait to see it!!!
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