Maggie's Farm

Is Nozze de Figaro an opera buffa? Yes and no.

The plot(s) are silly, but da Ponte's libretto is not, mostly. It is seriously human. Interestingly, da Ponte ended up teaching Italian at Columbia University (College, at the time). Anyway, I know Nozze almost by heart. Pure Mozart dramatic and song genius, and of course the Met could not have done it better.

Aria upon aria, and you have to remind yourself that it's entertainment, not "art". Best voices in the world.

Again, the place was packed at the matinee. I did a rough count, and I'd say half of the audience was under 40. Around 10% over 80. People need live performance. It's a different thing. A thrill, but not a cheap one. How did Mozart do all of those things in  such a short life?

After, a terrible "Italian" supper - too expensive and the sort of thing Sinatra would like. As Mrs. BD says, "Never eat anything bigger than your head." The fancy, busy place seemed to have decided that volume compensated for deliciousness. "The pasta comes with the veal scallopini." No thanks.

Yeah, down in NYC they all want vaccine proof, but that's easy. Restaurant was packed but we had a reservation.