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, Practical Reason Lags
Overview
Lorenzo Da Ponte, the mastermind behind the librettos of some of the world's most beloved operas, partnered with the extraordinary composer Mozart to create masterpieces such as The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così Fan Tutte. Rodney Bolt’s book, The Librettist of Venice, offers a fascinating glimpse into Da Ponte’s life, highlighting his close relationship with Mozart?"a bond marked by talent, ambition, insecurity, and vanity.
A Dynamic Duo
Da Ponte and Mozart's collaboration was not without disagreement. While they wrote Don Giovanni, they worked in adjacent lodges, debating through their windows. Da Ponte believed the text should take precedence, whereas Mozart felt the music was paramount. Da Ponte insisted that without his words, even Mozart's compositions would be incomplete.
A Tumultuous Journey
Despite his artistic brilliance, Da Ponte’s personal life was far from stable. Initially converting from Judaism to Catholicism for social mobility, he became a priest. Yet, his true passion lay in romantic escapades, rivaling none other than Casanova. Unlike Casanova, Da Ponte claimed genuine affection for the women he pursued.
Politically inept, Da Ponte's blunders led to his exile from Vienna. Still a priest, he married Nancy Grahl, a younger woman with a practical mind. Despite her efforts, they faced bankruptcy in both London and America, where they relocated in 1805 due to her family ties.
Challenges and Resilience
In New York, Da Ponte attempted to introduce Italian opera to indifferent English-speaking audiences. His venture into the grocery business also failed. Eventually, he found some stability as a teacher, bookseller, and aspiring impresario.
New York proved to be a congenial city for Da Ponte. The liberal environment earned him favor among cultural elites, and he became the first professor of Italian at Columbia University. This position, although largely symbolic, marked him as both the first Jew and first priest on the faculty.
Legacy and Reflection
Da Ponte lived into his 80s, earning admiration despite being considered eccentric. He was a charming figure who embodied European sophistication at a time when it was rare.
When considering Da Ponte’s everyday life versus his illustrious collaboration with Mozart, one is reminded of the fleeting nature of genius?"how talent can ascend to great heights, leaving the practical mind to simply follow.
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