Composer

:

Valentino Fioravanti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1799

"Le Cantatrici Villane" is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Valentino Fioravanti. The opera was first performed in Venice in 1762. The libretto was written by Carlo Goldoni, a famous Italian playwright, and it tells the story of a group of peasant women who form a singing group and compete for the attention of a wealthy nobleman. The plot revolves around the character of Don Pelagio, a wealthy nobleman who is looking for a new mistress. He becomes enamored with the singing of a group of peasant women who call themselves the "cantatrici villane." The women are led by the character of Sandrina, who is in love with a young farmer named Tonino. Tonino is also in love with Sandrina, but he is too shy to express his feelings. Don Pelagio invites the cantatrici villane to perform at his villa, where he hopes to choose one of them as his new mistress. The women compete against each other in a singing contest, but Don Pelagio is unable to choose between them. Meanwhile, Tonino decides to take matters into his own hands and disguises himself as a woman in order to join the singing group and win Sandrina's heart. The second act of the opera sees Don Pelagio trying to woo Sandrina, who he believes is the best singer in the group. However, Sandrina is not interested in Don Pelagio and is still in love with Tonino, who she believes is a woman named Rosina. The opera ends with Tonino revealing his true identity to Sandrina and the two of them confessing their love for each other. "Le Cantatrici Villane" is a classic example of the opera buffa genre, which was popular in Italy during the 18th century. The opera is characterized by its light-hearted and comedic tone, as well as its use of popular melodies and folk songs. The music of Valentino Fioravanti is lively and energetic, with a focus on vocal virtuosity and ensemble singing. The premiere of "Le Cantatrici Villane" was a great success, and the opera went on to be performed throughout Italy and Europe. The opera is still occasionally performed today, and it remains a beloved example of the opera buffa genre.

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