Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1768

Average_duration

:

76:53

Movement_count

:

14

Movement ....

"Lo Speziale" is an opera buffa in three acts composed by Franz Joseph Haydn. The libretto was written by Carlo Goldoni and was first performed in 1768 in the Palace of Eszterháza, Hungary. The opera is a comedy that tells the story of a young apothecary, Sempronio, who is in love with Grilletta, a beautiful young woman. However, Grilletta is in love with Mengone, a young man who is pretending to be a doctor in order to win her heart. The plot of "Lo Speziale" is full of twists and turns as Sempronio and Mengone compete for Grilletta's affections. The opera is set in Venice and features a cast of colorful characters, including a greedy old apothecary, a gullible servant, and a group of street vendors who provide comic relief throughout the performance. The music of "Lo Speziale" is typical of Haydn's early operas, with lively and playful melodies that reflect the comedic nature of the plot. The opera features a number of memorable arias, duets, and ensembles, including the famous "Quando mi vò" aria sung by Grilletta in Act II. "Lo Speziale" premiered to great acclaim and was performed throughout Europe in the years following its premiere. The opera is notable for its use of comic timing and its clever libretto, which pokes fun at the medical profession and the world of commerce. Overall, "Lo Speziale" is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Haydn's early talent as a composer of comic opera. Its lively music and witty libretto continue to delight audiences today, making it a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire.

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