In August 1789, a revival of Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro was presented in Vienna with soprano Adriana Gabrieli del Bene appearing in the role of Susanna. The composer wrote this aria for del Bene in that production as a replacement for the Act II aria "Venite inginocchiatevi." Of course, while Un moto di gioia is a well-crafted number, it didn't exactly replace "Venite inginocchiatevi" in subsequent productions. But that probably wasn't Mozart's hope: it seems he replaced the original aria not because he was dissatisfied with it, but because Un moto di gioia was better suited to the voice of del Bene, not least because it is easier to sing. He also replaced Susanna's Act IV aria "Deh vieni non tardar" with a new one, "Al desio di chi t' adora."

While productions of Le nozze after 1789 have generally used "Venite inginocchiatevi," its replacement aria has hardly faded away. Un moto di gioia was and still is often heard in concert performances and on recordings. Its text is believed to have been provided by Le nozze librettist, the famed Lorenzo da Ponte. Susanna sings it while she dresses Cherubino in women's clothing as a ruse to deceive the Count. The title words, Un moto di gioia mi sento, translate as An emotion of joy I feel.

The aria begins with a brief introduction, the latter half of the main theme given in perky orchestration. Susanna then sings the title words, with the chipper melody heard in full, after which secondary material related to the theme is presented, the whole conveying a sense of wit and elegance. The music throughout certainly imparts a sense of joy in its rhythmic bounce and sunny nature, and in its deft orchestration and melodic charm. Mozart made a keyboard rendition of the work for concert presentation, a version often used in concert and on recordings.

© All Music Guide