Madamina, Il Catalogo È Questo (Opera Don Giovanni)

The aria 'Madamina, il catalogo è questo' from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera 'Don Giovanni' is a pivotal moment that reveals the extent of the title character's womanizing ways. Sung by Leporello, Don Giovanni's servant, the song lists the sheer number of Don Giovanni's romantic conquests across Europe. Leporello addresses this catalog to Donna Elvira, one of Don Giovanni's jilted lovers, in an attempt to show her that she is far from his master's only victim. The aria is both a comedic and a darkly satirical piece that showcases Leporello's wry perspective on his master's escapades.

The lyrics detail the variety of women Don Giovanni has seduced: from peasants to princesses, and from the young and innocent to the old. Leporello notes Don Giovanni's adaptability in seduction, praising different qualities in women based on their hair color or body type, and even the seasons. This reflects the libertine attitudes of the era and the character's moral ambiguity. The song is a mix of pride in his record-keeping and a subtle critique of Don Giovanni's indiscriminate behavior. It also serves to highlight the social commentary of the opera, which questions the ethics of the aristocracy and their abuse of power.

Musically, 'Madamina, il catalogo è questo' is a bass aria that allows the singer to display a range of emotions, from humor to disdain. Mozart's composition is masterful in its ability to convey character through music, and this aria is a prime example of how opera can blend storytelling with a musical narrative. The song is not just a list but a character study and a window into the social mores of the time, all wrapped in Mozart's inimitable style.