Life of Mozart

;256*'COSI FAN TUTTE."of remorse, and of newly strengthened fidelity which thememory of her absent lover inspires, is charmingly expressedin the lovely air (25), " Per pieta, ben mio, perdona." Thisis genuine emotion, springing from the heart, and the musicexpresses it with all the charm of pure melody. This importantair, in two elaborate movements—adagio and allegro—gives ample opportunity for display to the singer and anindependent part to the wind instruments, especially thehorns, without doing injury to truth of expression. It isundeniably akin to the great air in "Figaro" (p. 92) composedfor the same Ferraresi, although they differ both intone and colouring.Probably the individuality of the singer,distinctly recognisable in the three songs, exerted considerableinfluence over their composition ; and it may also beremarked that too vivid a representation of such a moodas this would have exceeded the limits of opera buffaeven as it is it suggests almost too serious a complicationand solution of the situation. Ferrando, on learning thefaithlessness of his Dorabella, breaks at first into violentindignation ; but this soon gives way to softer feelings,which he cannot overcome. In his lovely cavatina (27)—soMozart has entitled it—his anger is only faintly suggested,while the memory of his still-loved Dorabella shines forthfrom the darkness of the soul.^° While he is yet in thissentimental mood he is urged by Don Alfonso to make onemore attack upon Fiordiligi's heart. With this intent, hesurprises her in the act of putting into effect her romanticdetermination to escape from her own weakness by donningman's attire and following her lover to the wars. Theduet which ensues (29) is of singular design and unusuallyrich elaboration. In contrast with Fiordiligi's grandiloquentsentiments, as she fancies herself again by the sideof her lover, comes the melancholy plaint, the urgentpetition of Ferrando ; her resistance grows weaker as hisentreaties grow more earnest—until at last she sinks into50 An excellent effect is given by the alternations of the keys of E flat majorand oboesand C major in the second theme, and the interchange of clarinetsconnected therewith.