(“Here is yout doctor, lovely ladies”)
“Here is yout doctor, lovely ladies” is an aria from the opera “Così fan tutte” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The opera, composed between 1789 and 1790 with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, was first performed in Vienna on January 26, 1790. The full title is “Così fan tutte, ossia La scuola degli amanti,” and it is set in Naples . The plot centers on a bet between Don Alfonso and two young men, Guglielmo and Ferrando. Don Alfonso bets that the young men’s fiancées will not be faithful when tested. To prove his point, Don Alfonso organizes a series of deceptions with the help of the maid Despina.
In the opera’s second act, Don Alfonso convinces Guglielmo and Ferrando to disguise themselves as noble Albanians to test their fiancées’ fidelity. The two men pretend to be poisoned, and Despina, disguised as a doctor, enters to cure them.
The aria “Here is yout doctor, lovely ladies” introduces this moment. It plays on the absurdity of the situation and the satire of medical practices of the time. Additionally, this scene amplifies the theme of disguise and deception, which is central in “Così fan tutte”.
Historical context
The aria “Eccovi il medico, signore belle” is not just a comic moment in the opera; it is also a social commentary and a critique of 18th-century medical practices.
In the 18th century, medicine was undergoing a significant transition. On one hand, many practices were still based on superstitions and traditional remedies. On the other hand, more scientific medicine was emerging thanks to developments in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.
However, medicine was often seen as a mix of science and spectacle. Doctors had to balance their reputation between the effectiveness of treatments and their ability to gain patients’ trust through a certain degree of theatricality.
“if they are ill, they are certainly because of a love potion”
The phrase “because of a love potion” suggests a simplistic and romantic explanation for diseases, reflecting a pre-scientific view of medicine where emotions and external influences were often seen as causes. This conception remained common despite scientific progress.
“With this philosophical instrument, this device invented by the great Newton…”
The mention of the “philosophical instrument” and the “great Newton” introduces a parody of the scientific revolution. Isaac Newton, known for his discoveries in physics and mathematics, symbolizes the new era of science. However, Despina’s “magnet” is a ridiculous device with no real scientific basis, highlighting how many medical instruments of the time were more related to superstition than science.
“I will remove from the stomach, from the chest, and from the heart the witchcraft”
The description of Despina that “will remove from the stomach, chest, and heart the witchcraft” is an ironic reference to exorcistic and magical practices still used in some areas of folk medicine. This highlights the persistence of archaic beliefs in an era just beginning to better understand human physiology and pathology.
Mesmerism and Animal Magnetism
Mesmerism, or animal magnetism, was a theory and practice proposed by the German physician Franz Anton Mesmer in the late 18th century. Mesmer believed in a universal fluid that could be manipulated to cure diseases. He used magnets and later only his hands to direct this fluid into patients’ bodies, inducing trance states and seemingly miraculous healings.
During the 18th century, practices like mesmerism gained popularity due to their apparent effectiveness and the ability to tap into people’s desire for miraculous cures.
In the aria, Despina, disguised as a doctor, uses a “magnet” as a “philosophical instrument,” directly parodying mesmerism practices. This reflects a satire of Mesmer’s practices, which were very popular but also very controversial in Mozart’s time.
The history of medicine is full of theories and practices that were initially popular but later discredited. This still resonates today with many alternative and complementary practices that, despite their popularity, lack solid scientific foundations.
Mozart’s work is therefore not only entertainment but also a critical commentary on the medical practices and beliefs of the time. It highlights the tension between science and pseudoscience, emphasizing the importance of relying on evidence-based medical practices rather than popular and unscientific beliefs.