Composer

:

Antonio Salieri

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1800

"L'Angiolina ossia il Matrimonio per sussurro" is an opera buffa composed by Antonio Salieri in 1784. The plot revolves around the love story of Angiolina, a young woman who is in love with the impoverished nobleman, Count Florville. However, her father, Don Geronimo, wants her to marry the wealthy but dull Don Giulio. To avoid this, Angiolina and Florville come up with a plan to marry in secret, with the help of their friends. The opera premiered on February 2, 1784, at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria. It was well-received by the audience and became one of Salieri's most popular works. The opera consists of two acts and is written in Italian. The first movement of the opera begins with a lively overture, followed by a scene in which Angiolina expresses her love for Florville in a beautiful aria. Don Geronimo then enters and announces that he has arranged for Angiolina to marry Don Giulio. Angiolina is devastated and sings a melancholic aria, expressing her despair. In the second movement, Florville and his friend, the Marquis, come up with a plan to marry Angiolina in secret. They enlist the help of the maid, Bettina, and the notary, Bruschino, to carry out their plan. The scene is full of comic misunderstandings and mistaken identities, as the characters try to keep their plan a secret from Don Geronimo and Don Giulio. The third movement takes place on the day of the wedding, as the characters gather in the church for the ceremony. However, Don Geronimo and Don Giulio arrive unexpectedly, threatening to ruin the plan. In a dramatic finale, Florville and Angiolina reveal their love for each other and Don Geronimo finally gives his blessing to their marriage. "L'Angiolina ossia il Matrimonio per sussurro" is a classic example of the opera buffa genre, characterized by its light-hearted and comedic tone. The music is lively and energetic, with catchy melodies and playful rhythms. The opera also features a number of ensemble pieces, including duets, trios, and quartets, which add to the overall sense of fun and frivolity. Overall, "L'Angiolina ossia il Matrimonio per sussurro" is a delightful and entertaining opera, full of humor, romance, and memorable music. It remains a popular work in the repertoire of many opera companies around the world.

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