Composer

:

Domenico Cimarosa

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1773

Average_duration

:

156:46

La finta parigina is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Domenico Cimarosa. The opera was composed in 1773 and premiered in Naples at the Teatro dei Fiorentini on 26 August of the same year. The libretto was written by Giovanni Bertati. The plot of La finta parigina revolves around the character of Rosina, a young woman who pretends to be a Parisian lady in order to attract the attention of the wealthy and handsome Count Florville. Rosina is actually a poor girl from Naples who has been taken in by the Parisian aristocracy. She is aided in her deception by her friend, the Countess of Folleville, who is also trying to win the affections of Florville. The first act of the opera takes place in the Countess's salon, where Rosina is introduced to Florville and the other guests. Rosina's charm and wit quickly win over the Count, who becomes infatuated with her. However, Rosina's deception is threatened when her former lover, the painter Belfiore, arrives on the scene. Belfiore recognizes Rosina and threatens to expose her true identity unless she agrees to marry him. The second act takes place in Florville's garden, where Rosina and the Countess continue their attempts to win Florville's heart. Belfiore also appears, still intent on exposing Rosina's deception. However, his plans are foiled when Rosina's true identity is revealed by her father, who has come to Paris to find her. In the end, Rosina and Florville are united, and Belfiore is left to rue his failed scheme. La finta parigina is characterized by its lively and humorous music, which reflects the light-hearted nature of the opera buffa genre. The opera features a number of memorable arias and ensembles, including Rosina's "Non so se sia la speme" and the quartet "Non v'è cosa più dolce". The opera also includes a number of comic elements, such as the character of Belfiore, who provides a source of comic relief throughout the opera. Overall, La finta parigina is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Cimarosa's skill as a composer of opera buffa. Its premiere in Naples in 1773 was a great success, and the opera continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences today.

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