Da Ponte, Lorenzo (Conegliano Emmanuele) (1749-1838)

Italian librettist. He is renowned for his collaboration with Mozart in The Marriage of Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787), and Così fan tutte (1790). His adaptations of contemporary plays are deepened by a rich life experience and understanding of human nature.

Born in Ceneda (now Vittorio Veneto), he studied to take holy orders, proving a skilful versifier in both Italian and Latin. Appointed as a professor in literature at Treviso Seminary in 1773, his radical views and immoral behaviour led to his banishment from Venice in 1779. Travelling to Vienna, Austria, he was appointed as librettist to the New Italian Theatre in 1781 on the recommendation of Antonio Salieri. His first major success was in adapting Beaumarchais's comedy for Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte followed, together with libretti for other composers. In 1805 he emigrated to the USA, eventually becoming a teacher of Italian language and literature.