These two then proceed to some genuine love-making, which is observed by the Count, who, in a rage, accosts the lady as " traitress." He orders her to unveil, and when a light flashes upon the scene and he sees that he has been making love to his own wife, he is much abashed. Forgive ness is asked and granted on all sides, even Cherubino com ing in for his share. The marriage of Figaro and Susanna is brought about and the capricious Count vows eternal fidelity to his wife.
In this charming work Mozart has combined the highest characteristics of the French and German schools. The music is a model of grace, lightness and beauty and its effervescent fun is always thoroughly refined. Cheerfulness is the key note of the composition, for in " The Marriage of Figaro " Mozart's laughter-loving soul seems to have had unbridled expression. Although more than a century has passed since its composition, it still holds its place as one of the most admirable of operatic works, Time seeming to smile in sympathy and to withhold his ravages. It was written in less than a month and met with instant success, although a short time later it was discarded in Vienna, owing to the machinations of Mozart's Italian rivals. Next to " Don
Giovanni " it was the favorite of its composer.
" The Marriage of Figaro " contains such an embarrass ment of riches that it is difficult to particularize. Among its delights are the strikingly descriptive overture; Figaro's opening duet with Susanna, as he measures off the floor and she tries on her mistress' hat before the mirror; Figaro's threat, " Se vuol ballare " (" If you're for dancing "), sung to a guitar-like accompaniment; Cherubino's aria, " Non so pincosa son" ("Ah! what feelings now possess me ") ; Figaro's celebrated number, " Non pin andrai " (" Play no more ") ; the Countess' song, " Porgi amor " (" Love, thou holy impulse ") ; Cherubino's romance " Voi the sapete " (" What is this feeling ") ; the splendid finale to the second act; the regret of the Countess, " Dove sono!" (" Where are they ") ; the " Letter Duet " of Susanna and the Countess and Susanna's " Deh vieni " (" Ah! why so long delay? ")