Question

question 1
3 tries left
listen to the excerpt:
each character in this scene from the marriage of figaro can be distinguished because ______.

one is female, one is male, and one is a child
each of the three characters has a distinct melody
two are females singing in different ranges and the other is male
the fourth character, cherubino, introduces them

Explanation:

Identify the scene and characters

Using the The Marriage of Figaro and Cosa Sento Characterization knowledge points, we identify this excerpt as the trio "Cosa sento!" from Act I of Mozart's opera. The three active singing characters in this scene are Count Almaviva (bass-baritone), Basilio (tenor), and Susanna (soprano).

Analyze the musical characterization

Using the Opera Characterization knowledge point, Mozart distinguishes these three characters musically by giving each of them a distinct melody and style that reflects their emotional state and personality:

• Count Almaviva sings with a pompous, authoritative, and indignant melody.
• Basilio sings with a smooth, winding, and insinuating melody, reflecting his gossiping nature.
• Susanna sings with a rapid, agitated, and breathless melody, reflecting her panic and distress.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "one is female, one is male, and one is a child" is incorrect. There is no child singing in this scene (Cherubino is a trouser role played by a soprano/mezzo-soprano, but he is hiding and does not sing in this trio).
• Option 2: "each of the three characters has a distinct melody" is correct because Mozart uses thematic differentiation to highlight their individual reactions.
• Option 3: "two are females singing in different ranges and the other is male" is incorrect. The trio consists of two males (the Count and Basilio) and one female (Susanna).
• Option 4: "the fourth character, Cherubino, introduces them" is incorrect. Cherubino is silent and hidden during this trio.

Answer:

• one is female, one is male, and one is a child
• each of the three characters has a distinct melody (Correct answer)
• two are females singing in different ranges and the other is male
• the fourth character, Cherubino, introduces them