Toni Farrell (Entertainer) The Victor Olof Sextet

Mozart's Figaro is the same charming rascal as Rossini's Barber of Seville; and in Germany they have a little jest on the subject, telling that Figaro must have been a most ungrateful fellow because, although Rossini wrote a delightful opera in his honour, he must needs order the music for his wedding from the rival firm of Mozart.

The real name of the Opera is 'Figaro's Wedding'; in this country alone is it referred to as 'The Marriage of Figaro,' not quite the same thing, as Figaro no doubt discovered for himself in the fulness of time.

It was one of the most immediately successful of all Mozart's works, both on its original appearance in Vienna and afterwards in Prague, Mozart wrote after this latter production to a friend: 'The one subject of conversation here is 'Figaro'; nothing is played, sung or whistled, but 'Figaro'.'

The Overture begins with a bustling theme played very softly in unison by the strings and bassoon. It is followed quickly by a dainty tune in which the oboe and flute alternate, reinforced immediately afterwards by the whole orchestra. Abrupt contrasts of loud and soft tone, lend the Overture much of its sense of light-hearted, almost irresponsible, gaiety. But the whole piece is throughout so full of irresistible melody that one can easily believe Mozart's delighted report from Prague.