Commissioned in 1789 by Emperor Joseph II of the House of Habsburg, Così fan tutte is a comic opera (or opera buffa) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The title, often shortened in Britain to Cosìq is translated literally as “Thus do all women” but is often accepted as “Women are like that”. The opera is based upon a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, as were Le nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni.
Performance History
The opera was first performed in Vienna’s Burgtheater on the 26th of January 1790. Whilst the work was considered risqué in the 19th and 20th Centuries, Mozart’s contemporaries did not find the subject matter to offensive. After the Second World War, the work returned to the standard repertoire and remains to this day one of Mozart’s most performed operas.
Synopsis
Surprisingly relevant in today’s world, the theme of Così is “fiancé swapping” – a practice which dates to the 13th Century and which has been found in both the tales of Ovid and Shakespeare. Set in 18th Century Naples, the opera unfolds in initially in a coffee shop.
Act 1
We begin our tale by meeting the two officers Ferrando and Guglielmo in a coffee shop, each claiming that their respective brides (Dorabella and Fiordiligi) will be faithful for the eternal future. They are soon joined by Don Alfonso, who wagers that he can prove that the two ladies, like all women, are easily swayed and inherently fickle. The bet is taken and the two officers pretend to have been called to war – soon returning in disguise to seduce the other’s lover.
Shifting to the two sisters, we hear them praising their men before Alfonso appears to break the bad news – the men must depart for war. At this point, the two officers arrive and bid a heartbroken farewell before singing a quintet. The men depart and Don Alfonso is left to bemoan women on his own.
In their bedroom, the sisters are joined by their maid Despina who mocks them and suggests they find new lovers – “In men, in soldiers, you hope for faithfulness?” she asks. The maid is soon bribed by Alfonso and the men return, dressed as Albanians. Alarmed by the presence of strange men, the ladies calm when the Albanians switch on the charm.
Moving to the garden, we hear the women still pining for the lost loves. The Albanians suddenly reappear, threatening to poison themselves if they are not allowed to woo the sisters. Despina, now also disguised, uses a large magnet (animal magnetism – get it?) to revive the men who have seemingly taken the poison. Awakening, the Albanians demand the “goddesses” before them will cure them with a kiss, though they are quickly refused.
Act II
Back in the sisters’ bedroom we Despina promoting the charms of the Albanians. When she leaves, Dorabella admits she is tempted and the sisters agree that flirtation holds no harm. This leads to the duet “I will take the dark one”!
In the garden, we see the two couples pair off and whilst the conversation is initially uncomfortable – Guglielmo and Dorabella quickly depart and exchange tokens of affection. Less luck for Ferrando, however, who is enraged when he discovers that Guglielmo has succeeded in wooing his lover. Guglielmo is apologetic and sympathetic – but then gloats as his betrothed has remained faithful.
Dorabella admits her indiscretion to Fiordiligi in their bedroom, whereupon Fiodiligi decides to visit the army and find her lover. However, Ferrando returns and continues his attempted seduction. He finally succeeds and now turns to gloating. The winner of the wager, Alfonso, tells the men to forgive and forget - Così fan tutte – “All women are like that”.
The final scene starts with a double wedding for the sisters and their Albanian grooms. The maid Despina, now disguised as a notary, presents the contract of marriage which is duly signed by all. Suddenly, we hear the call of military music in the distance – the officers are returning. Alfonso confirms the sisters' fears: Ferrando and Guglielmo are on their way to the house. Departing to hide (or rather change out of the disguises they wear), the Albanians return as officers and profess their love. Enraged by the contract delivered by Alfonso, the to men become enraged. They again depart, then return, this time in a mixed disguise based on their uniforms but with elements of Albanian apparel. The sisters realize they have been duped, and all is forgiven. Men and women alike praise the ability to accept life’s good and bad times!
