Composer

:

Domenico Cimarosa

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1792

Average_duration

:

138:31

Il Matrimonio Segreto is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Domenico Cimarosa. The opera was composed in 1792 and premiered on February 7, 1792, at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria. The libretto was written by Giovanni Bertati and is based on the play The Clandestine Marriage by George Colman the Elder and David Garrick. The plot of the opera revolves around the wealthy businessman Geronimo, who has two daughters, Carolina and Elisetta. Geronimo wants to marry off Elisetta to Count Robinson, a wealthy nobleman, to improve his social status. However, Carolina is secretly in love with Paolino, Geronimo's clerk, and they have already secretly married. The rest of the opera follows the comical attempts of Carolina and Paolino to keep their marriage a secret while also trying to convince Geronimo to let them marry officially. The opera is known for its lively and humorous music, with catchy melodies and witty lyrics. The overture is particularly famous for its energetic and playful theme, which sets the tone for the rest of the opera. The opera also features several memorable arias, duets, and ensembles, including Carolina's aria "Non piu mesta" and the quartet "Se fiato in corpo avete." Il Matrimonio Segreto was an immediate success and became one of the most popular operas of the late 18th century. It was performed throughout Europe and even in the United States, where it was one of the first operas to be performed in English. The opera's popularity continued into the 19th century, and it was frequently performed alongside other popular operas of the time, such as Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and Rossini's The Barber of Seville. Overall, Il Matrimonio Segreto is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Cimarosa's talent for composing lively and humorous music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal and its place in the canon of great operas.

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