Mozart’s glorious exploration of the nature of young love, was first produced in Vienna in 1790, although nineteenth century prudishness prevented it from claiming its rightful place in the operatic repertory until well into the twentieth century.
In Cosi, Mozart and Da Ponte tackle some eternal, human and not altogether comfortable themes. Two young men, Ferrando and Guglielmo, are persuaded, as a wager, by their cynical and experienced older friend Don Alfonso, to leave their fiancees, Dorabella and Fiordiligi, as if for war. The two men then return in disguise to test the fidelity of their fiancees. Is love transferable? Can trust be restored?