1. The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro) (1786):
This opera buffa, with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, tells the story of Figaro, a clever valet who plans to outsmart his master Count Almaviva and marry his beloved Susanna. The opera is renowned for its intricate plot, beautiful melodies, and social commentary.
2. Don Giovanni (1787):
Also written in collaboration with Da Ponte, Don Giovanni is a dramma giocoso that follows the story of the notorious womanizer Don Giovanni and his encounter with the vengeful Donna Elvira and Donna Anna. The opera's powerful music, dramatic characters, and exploration of themes such as morality and retribution make it one of Mozart's finest works.
3. Così fan tutte (1790):
Another Da Ponte collaboration, Così fan tutte is a comic opera that examines themes of love, fidelity, and deception. Two men test the faithfulness of their fiancées by disguising themselves and trying to seduce each other's partners, leading to humorous and heartwarming situations.
4. The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte) (1791):
With a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, The Magic Flute is a Singspiel that combines elements of fantasy, symbolism, and Masonic rituals. The opera follows the journey of Prince Tamino and Papagena and features memorable characters such as the Queen of the Night, Papageno, and Sarastro.
5. The Clemency of Titus (La clemenza di Tito) (1791):
Composed for the coronation of Emperor Leopold II, The Clemency of Titus is a seria opera based on the life of the Roman emperor Titus. It showcases Mozart's mastery of the operatic form and his ability to create emotional depth and musical grandeur.
These are just a few examples of Mozart's greatest operas, each displaying his exceptional talent for composition, his understanding of human nature, and his ability to blend beautiful melodies with dramatic storytelling. Mozart's operas continue to be performed and admired by audiences around the world, solidifying his status as a maestro of operatic music.