Opera Guide and Synopsis: Cosi Fan' Tutte, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The opera Cosí fan' tutte (Thus Do All Women, or Women Are Like That) was the third collaboration between composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. Its alternate title is La scuola degli amanti (The School for Lovers). It premiered in Vienna on January 26, 1790. Although it was for a long time not as frequently performed as Mozart and Da Ponte's other two operas, Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro, it has grown in popularity over the course of the twentieth century.

Characters in Cosí fan' tutte

• Fiordiligi (Soprano)
• Dorabella, her sister (Mezzo-soprano)
• Guglielmo, a soldier and Fiordiligi's lover (Baritone)
• Ferrando, a soldier and Dorabella's lover (Tenor)
• Don Alfonso, a bachelor (Bass)
• Despina, a maid (Soprano)

Synopsis of Cosí fan' tutte

Act I

In an attempt to convince the star-crossed lovers Guglielmo and Ferrando that women are inherently unfaithful, the older and more jaded Don Alfonso makes a wager that they'll be able to prove their lovers' infidelity within the day.

Fiordiligi and Dorabella gaze adoringly at pictures of their lovers, but soon discover that Guglielmo and Ferrando have been called away on duty and may not return for a while. They mourn and say farewell. Their maid, Despina, advises that there are plenty of other men to love, observing that since men are chronically unfaithful, women should not be expected to remain loyal to them.

Guglielmo and Ferrando soon return, disguised as Albanians, and attempt to woo each other's lovers. The women remain steadfast despite Despina's advice. Pretending to be hurt by this rejection, Guglielmo and Ferrando threaten suicide and pretend to take poison, from which Despina, disguised as a doctor, "cures" them.

Act II

Despina again advises the sisters to take up the Albanians' offers of marriage, and praises herself for her independence and worldly knowledge. Dorabella begins to change her mind, advising her sister that they must avoid boredom. Guglielmo quickly wins her over. Fiordiligi eventually gives into Ferrando, but curses her heart for its inconstancy.

Upon hearing that their lovers have been unfaithful, Ferrando and Guglielmo decide to continuewith the charade. Despina, disguised as a notary, produces marriage contracts for the new couples. After the marriage contracts are signed, however, they pretend that the soldiers are returning, and the "Albanians" hide. Ferrando and Guglielmo confront their lovers, then reveal the charade. Don Alfonso advises them to laugh and reunite, as they are now wiser, aware of the other's true nature.

Sources

Cosí fan' tutte Libretto

The Opera Goer's Complete Guide, by Leo Melitz