D Giovanni-Conflict in Emotion essays

D Giovanni-Conflict in Emotion essays Don Giovanni: Simultaneous Conflicting Emotions Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart conceals some very complicated techniques of musical emotion in his music for the stage. Among these is his ability to convey not mixed emotions, but separate, conflicting emotions and events involving multiple characters in one scene. An example of this genius is found in his opera "Don Giovanni." I chose the 1977 Glyndebourne Festival Production. I will be analyzing the finale of Act I, score measures 415 to 457. I think it most effective to not skip around in the score, but rather straight through, and you will see that not only does Mozart creates multiple emotions, he also has them overlapping as in the finale of Act I. This scene is a party thrown by Don Giovanni. Starting in measure 415, Leporello is starting the whole group to dance, and his words are conveyed in a smooth, convincing style, so as to keep the general group out of the loop. Donna Elvira comments to Donna Anna that Don Giovanni's voice has given him away, and these words are expressed with short, choppy rhythms, almost recitative-like, indicating a hint of animosity.(mm 417-18) Donna Anna replies, expressing her hurt in a series of long, high descending notes.(mm 418-19) Don Ottavio responds to them in a recitative fashion, yet melodic as if to convey the hiding of vengeful feeling for the moment and to pretend to enjoy an evening of dancing.(mm 420-21) At this point, Don Giovanni and Leporello comment in a relieved melodic duet that everything is good so far.(mm 423-25) Then Masetto sings triumphantly that in his observation, the evening is going well, too.(mm 425-29) Is it though? This amplifies Masetto's ignorance of two t hings - one, that Zerlina is emotionally troubled, and two, that he knows nothing of Don Giovanni's impending plan. When Don Giovanni realizes this, he quickly commands Leporello to distract Masetto away from Zerlina. His tone is sung in short, cut ...