Episode Two: Beaumarchais, Mozart, and the Revolutions of France and America

In this second episode, Maestro Antony Walker pays homage to Independence Day (July 4) and Bastille Day (July 14) through the lens of the most influential playwright on Mozart's career, Beaumarchais. We hope you will enjoy some little-known stories of his influence on the composer and his surprising connections to the revolutionary movements of the 18th century. Excerpts included, in order that you will hear them, are as follows: (1) Beginning of Overture from Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro; (2) Mozart's 12 Variations “Je suis Lindor” KV 354 (299a), part 1; (3) Section of Overture from Rossini's Le barbier de Séville (Il barbiere di Siviglia); (4) "Porgi amor" from Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro; (5) Finale from Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro. Visit concertopera.org/podcast for a more detailed bibliography.