'Le Nozze di Figaro' is one of the three 'da Ponte' opera's which Mozart composed on libretto's of Lorenzo da Ponte (1749-1838) the famous Viennese theaterdirector and courtpoet. The duet 'Crudel! Perché finora' is sung by Susanna and the Count at the very beginning of the third act: The Count mulls over the confusing situation. At the urging of the Countess, Susanna enters and gives a false promise to meet the Count later that night in the garden where they sing the duet 'Crudel! perchè finora' (Cruel girl, why did you make me wait so long).