The course will present and discuss the first of Mozart’s great trilogy of operas with librettos by his principal collaborator, Lorenzo DaPonte. First presented in Vienna in 1786, Figaro is thought by many to be the supreme example of comic opera in the repertory, and some of the scenes are indeed quite funny even 237 years after the first performance.  The course will provide a first acquaintance with the opera for students unfamiliar with it and afford a greater appreciation of the opera for students already somewhat familiar with it.  Much of the class time will be spent watching and listening to DVDs of the opera with occasional references to the Beaumarchais play on which the opera was based.  We will cover about 30-35 minutes of music in each class period, from the Overture to the final curtain, with the remainder of the time available for explanation, verbal description, and questions.  Emails sent out weekly will focus attention on key aspects of the material and present a series of questions to ponder for each class.  The emails will also attach supplemental (optional) readings for those interested in relevant background information.  The course will be of the lecture-presentation variety with opportunity for questions but only limited opportunity for discussion. Weekly preparation should not be more than two hours.  Please note that the class will run from September 19 to October 17, and will have the last meeting during the break week.