A Life Of Lorenzo Da Ponte Talent Flies Practical Reason Walks
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Arts Entertainment -> subcategory Humor.
A Life of Lorenzo Da Ponte: Talent Soars, Practicality Falters
Word Count: 584
Summary:
Among the world's favorite operas are three masterpieces with librettos by Lorenzo Da Ponte and music by the illustrious Viennese composer Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così Fan Tutte.
In Rodney Bolt's new book, The Librettist of Venice, we discover how Da Ponte and Mozart formed a close bond, both being talented yet vain, insecure, and ambitious. While crafting Don Giovanni, they worked in neighboring rooms, communicating through their windows.
Da Ponte dared to challenge Mozart's belief that music should take precedence over text, asserting that without his poetry, even Mozart's music would lack substance.
Yet, Da Ponte's life took a dramatic turn. Surprisingly, he ended up in New York running a grocery store on the Bowery.
Article Body:
Lorenzo Da Ponte, the librettist behind the well-loved operas The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così Fan Tutte, created wonders with composer Mozart. Their collaboration was marked by a unique camaraderie, where they often exchanged ideas by shouting through the windows of their adjacent lodges.
Despite their close partnership, Da Ponte and Mozart had contrasting views. Mozart believed music was supreme, while Da Ponte maintained that his words held primary importance. He argued that without his poetic touch, even Mozart's composition would be incomplete.
Da Ponte’s career, however, saw a steep decline. It’s hard to fathom that this artistic genius eventually ran a grocery store in New York City. While his creativity soared, his practical skills left much to be desired.
Born Jewish, Da Ponte's life took a turn when his father decided the family should convert to Catholicism for economic advantages. Consequently, he was ordained as a priest, though his true passion lay elsewhere?"with married women. His escapades rivaled those of Casanova, who became his friend and, arguably, mentor.
Unlike Casanova, Da Ponte claimed he genuinely loved the women he pursued and didn't exploit them financially. He fancied himself a political strategist but faced disastrous consequences, ultimately leading to his exile from Vienna.
Despite being technically a priest, Da Ponte married Nancy Grahl, a younger and more practical woman, who failed to prevent his financial downfalls in London and later America, where they settled in 1805 due to her family’s relocation.
In America, Da Ponte attempted to introduce Italian opera to audiences largely indifferent to it. Compounding matters, his grocery business also floundered. Eventually, he found roles as a teacher, bookseller, and aspiring impresario.
On the bright side, New York’s liberal atmosphere suited Da Ponte. He became a beloved figure among the cultural elite and the first professor of Italian at Columbia University?"a largely honorary role. Notably, he was the first Jew and first priest on the university’s faculty.
Da Ponte lived into his 80s, revered yet considered eccentric. His charm and European flair captivated many at a time when such qualities were quite novel.
Reflecting on Da Ponte's daily struggles juxtaposed with his brilliant synergy with Mozart, one marvels at the swift brilliance of creative genius compared to the steady, albeit necessary, plodding of the practical mind. His story underscores the complex dance between talent and practicality, where one soars while the other lags behind.
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