Comparison Of Mozart And Lorenzo Da Ponte

Mozart and Lorenzo Da Ponte, names which were inseparably linked in the history of opera collaborated to produce the operas Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte. Although both set in the Italian language, to Mozart, his music expressed that which language alone had worn out, human emotions, feelings and passions. Don Giovanni to some “the finest opera ever written” is an opera with a mixture of seriousness, comedy, horror and jest. Unlike most of Mozart’s previous operas where the opening overture had no musical significance to the drama that proceeded, Don Giovanni was the first overture to involve the action. The overture begins slowly with heart-rending chords and an immediate ostinato rhythm in the strings. The additional use of the upward ascending and descending scalic passages in the first flute and violin created a sense of anticipation of something momentous to follow PICTURE.

It is contrasted dramatically with its forte to piano dynamics, representing the characters Don Giovanni and his attendant Leporello. Blending seamlessly into the first act, without a final cadence, the overture proves to be an inseparable part of the entire opera and drama. The opera dramatically opens and sets the tone of Don Giovanni’s character. Set in the 17th century Don Giovanni is a man who makes a move on any woman, especially Donna Anna who he forced himself upon in her bedroom. Musically this is depicted by busy violins racing around. The music is then accentuated as Don Giovanni continues to taunt Donna Anna, at this stage stridently high notes suspend over the melodious strings.