Le Nozze di Figaro: 5. Duettino - Marcellina and Susanna

Question 1

5. Duettino Marcellina and Susanna main points:

Answer 1

• Fake friendliness - contrast and conflict
• Bightest key so far, A major - c time
• Short phrases showing ‘small talk’
• Voices in 3rds - secure, beautiful - IRONY
• B16 V-I dom cadence into E major
• Shorter phrases showing growing restlessness
• Perfect musically - paradox to subject matter
• B42 Marcellina tries to take us to subdominant but Susanna takes us to the dominant
• B54 Susanna wins, quick playful phrases