Understanding the Women of Mozart's Operas

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Is The Marriage of Figaro just about Figaro? Is Don Giovanni’s story the only or most interesting one in the opera that bears his name? For generations, critics and historians have focused primarily on Mozart’s male characters, often reducing female roles to mere reflections of male protagonists. It’s time to acknowledge the depth of Mozart’s female characters. In this engaging exploration, Kristi Brown-Montesano examines the female roles in Mozart’s most performed operas: Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, and Die Zauberflöte. Each chapter delves into the music, libretto, literary sources, and historical context that shape these characters, challenging common assumptions and offering fresh interpretations. Brown-Montesano presents each woman as a subject with her own story, rather than as mere objects in a hero’s journey. From Zerlina to the Queen of the Night to Despina, each character has a unique voice. The readings also address significant social, political, and cultural issues that shape images of femininity, including themes of revenge, power, seduction, resistance, autonomy, and sisterhood. Brown-Montesano highlights how historical and contemporary attitudes influence our understanding of these compelling representations of women.