Final answer:
Mozart and Lorenzo da Ponte's operas were risky because they challenged societal norms and featured social critiques in a time where art was subject to censorship and conservative views.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operas by Mozart and Lorenzo da Ponte could be considered risky endeavors because they often dealt with themes and social commentaries that challenged the norms and sensibilities of their time. Through their operas, Mozart and da Ponte pushed boundaries by providing social critiques, sometimes thinly veiled, on issues such as class hierarchy, sexuality, and the roles of women in society. This was indeed a bold move in an era where art was closely watched and often censored for its content. Their work demanded both artistic and commercial bravery, as they had to ensure that the operas were well-received by audiences, which included the risk of dissent from the more conservative patrons. An example of this is the opera Le Nozze di Figaro, which portrays characters and situations that subtly mock and question the authority and morality of the aristocracy.