Is there a more extraordinary, more heart-stilling moment in all opera than the finale of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro? The Count, suddenly understanding his wife’s fidelity, begs her forgiveness — ‘Contessa perdono!’ Her answer comes like a musical benediction, but not until after the very slightest pause — space to doubt, to hope.
Alexandra Coghlan
Fossilised Figaro
Plus: a bold choice of double bill from British Youth Opera that places too-heavy a burden on their young shoulders
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