Composer

:

Domenico Cimarosa

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1780

Il falegname, also known as L'impresario in angustie, is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Domenico Cimarosa. The opera was composed in 1786 and premiered at the Teatro dei Fiorentini in Naples on 26 December of the same year. The plot of Il falegname revolves around the character of Filippo, a poor carpenter who dreams of becoming an impresario. He convinces the wealthy and vain Don Polidoro to finance his opera company, promising him the lead role in every production. However, Filippo's lack of experience and incompetence lead to a series of mishaps and disasters during the company's first performance, causing Don Polidoro to lose faith in him. The first act of the opera introduces the characters and sets up the plot, with Filippo and Don Polidoro negotiating the terms of their partnership. The second act features the disastrous performance of the opera, with the singers forgetting their lines, the scenery collapsing, and the audience rioting. In the end, Filippo is left alone and disillusioned, while Don Polidoro returns to his former life of luxury and privilege. Il falegname is characterized by its lively and humorous music, with catchy melodies and witty lyrics. The opera features a variety of musical styles, including arias, duets, and ensembles, as well as comic interludes and recitatives. The music is often accompanied by a small orchestra, consisting of strings, woodwinds, and brass instruments. Il falegname was a popular success at its premiere, and it quickly became one of Cimarosa's most famous works. The opera was performed throughout Italy and Europe, and it was translated into several languages, including French, German, and English. Today, Il falegname is still occasionally performed, and it is considered a classic example of the Italian opera buffa genre.

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