240 years ago today. The Burgtheater, Vienna. Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, adapted from Beaumarchais's play—which had been banned by Emperor Joseph II, though Da Ponte apparently convinced him the opera version was harmless.

The final act is genuinely one of the most intricate ensemble finales in the repertoire—layers of mistaken identity resolved with an efficiency that still works. If you haven't seen it, just watch the ending first.

Le nozze di Figaro (complete): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjvBGk8\_MoM