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February 2, 2023
mishearing, and mislaying in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, were actually deeper intentions
and aspects of theater work that require a deeper look. He mentions this towards the end of his
first paragraph and in between providing the original and translated lyrics for the reader and is
able to prepare the reader for what they will be analyzing. The essay is organized in a way that
takes you through the various phrases that Freud notes as being ‘mistakes’, while maintaining the
order of the play. This structure allows the reader to follow along with the lyrics in a way that
lines up with the story, and not take the reader out of the story in order for them to be able to
grasp all the information, even if they are unfamiliar with the music.
Lewin’s deep analysis of the lyrics are apparent, as well as the ‘incorrect’ pitches that the
singers use which, as he explains, actually have purpose in furthering the story and building a
greater sense of drama between Figaro and Susanna. Lewin conveys his argument in a way that
is easy for the reader to follow. This is thanks to his ability to dissect and explain the specific
musical phrases and why they can be seen as wrong or incorrect, and then describing why this
choice in lyrics and melody fits the theme and story of this opening duet. One aspect of analysis
that I will use in my future approaches to musical analysis is the dissection of lyrics and why and
how singers or characters may be saying the things that they are, rather than paying attention to