Before and After Revolution
Before the French Revolution, although the awareness of social inequality was began to emerge with the help of the idea of enlightenment, since people did not have concrete rights, they could not show a big reaction. Instead of showing big reactions, artists before Revolution used artworks mainly in a sarcastic and ironic way by using a hero in general. They also chose way of generalization every issue for keep their reactions against aristocracy. Topics are chosen in that sense and allegoric characters symbolize a class of society. Monarchs of the time were enlightened but especially in the Mozart's period, it was obvious to see monarchy was losing power so for their authority, they were also skeptic and prohibitive to that kind of works. Figaro symbolizing a sardonic character who was emphasized with his bright intelligence of middle class. Although The Marriage of Figaro has a weaker criticism about political and social issues, it was more significant role in establishing of French Revolution. Because it was a preparing step for the society and for that period ( before revolution ) it was a more brave reaction.
Like Marriage of Figaro, Fidelio saying so much to high-class but differently we can considered it as a completely revolution opera. With its stylistic features that Beethoven used and Fidelio figure that say everything not ironically but openly, this opera displays the society after revolution with their own rights and freedom as individuals. As two Viennese Classical, Mozart and Beethoven also lived in different conditions like this operas and saying to all these things to them will also be true. Mozart created a Figaro who overcome against his problems by using his knowledge and smartness, Beethoven created a Fidelio who solve the problems not only with smartness but with power too in a heroic way.
