Composer

:

Gaetano Donizetti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1841

Average_duration

:

53:42

'Rita, ou Le mari battu' is an opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti in 1841. The plot revolves around the character of Rita, a woman who has been married three times and has a reputation for being a shrew. Her third husband, Beppe, is tired of her constant abuse and decides to leave her. However, he returns to her after several years, disguised as a servant named Peppe, to see if she has changed. Rita does not recognize him and hires him as her servant. As the story progresses, Beppe/Peppe tries to win Rita's affection and make her a better person. However, Rita's second husband, Gasparo, also returns and complicates matters. Gasparo is jealous of Beppe/Peppe and tries to expose him as Rita's third husband. In the end, Beppe/Peppe reveals his true identity and Rita realizes the error of her ways. She apologizes to Beppe and they reconcile. The opera premiered on May 7, 1860, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. It was not well-received at the time and was only performed a few times before falling into obscurity. However, it was rediscovered in the 20th century and has since become a popular choice for small opera companies. 'Rita, ou Le mari battu' is composed of two acts and features a score that is typical of Donizetti's style. The music is light and playful, with catchy melodies and lively rhythms. The opera also features several ensemble numbers, including a trio and a quartet, which showcase Donizetti's skill at writing for multiple voices. One of the characteristics of 'Rita, ou Le mari battu' is its comedic tone. The opera is a farce, with exaggerated characters and situations that are meant to be humorous. However, it also has a serious message about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. Overall, 'Rita, ou Le mari battu' is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Donizetti's talent for writing catchy melodies and creating memorable characters. While it may not be as well-known as some of his other works, it is still a delightful piece of music that is sure to delight audiences.

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