Cinque... Dieci... Venti

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 'Cinque... Dieci... Venti' is a delightful duet from his famous opera 'Le Nozze di Figaro' (The Marriage of Figaro). This piece is a playful and tender exchange between Figaro and Susanna, two characters who are deeply in love and on the brink of marriage. The song captures a moment of light-hearted joy and anticipation as they prepare for their wedding day.

The lyrics begin with Figaro counting, 'Cinque, Dieci, Venti, Trenta, Trentasei, Quarantatre,' which translates to 'Five, Ten, Twenty, Thirty, Thirty-six, Forty-three.' This counting could symbolize the passage of time or the steps leading up to their wedding. Susanna then expresses her happiness, saying, 'Ora sì ch'io son contenta,' meaning 'Now I am happy.' She shows Figaro her hat, and he responds with admiration, noting how beautiful it looks on her. This exchange highlights their affection and the simple pleasures they find in each other's company.

The duet culminates in a shared sentiment of joy and anticipation for their upcoming wedding. They sing together, 'Ah, il mattino alle nozze vicino,' which means 'Ah, the morning of the wedding is near.' This line encapsulates the excitement and sweetness of their love, as they look forward to their future together. The song is a charming portrayal of young love, filled with optimism and tenderness, and it sets the tone for the rest of the opera, which explores themes of love, fidelity, and social dynamics.

Mozart's composition, with its lively and graceful melody, perfectly complements the light-hearted and affectionate nature of the lyrics. The interplay between Figaro and Susanna's voices creates a sense of harmony and mutual adoration, making 'Cinque... Dieci... Venti' a memorable and endearing piece in the opera's repertoire.