Composer

:

Federico Ricci

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

ca. 1850

"Crispino e la Comare" is an Italian opera buffa in three acts composed by Federico Ricci. The libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave and Carlo Cambiagli. The opera premiered on January 28, 1850, at the Teatro Apollo in Rome. The plot of "Crispino e la Comare" revolves around the character of Crispino, a poor cobbler who is married to Annetta. Crispino is a kind-hearted man who is always willing to help others, but he is also a bit of a dreamer and often gets himself into trouble. One day, he meets a mysterious woman who offers to help him become rich and successful. However, this woman turns out to be a witch, and she puts a curse on Crispino that causes him to become invisible whenever he is in the presence of other people. Despite his newfound invisibility, Crispino continues to try to help others, including a group of young lovers who are being kept apart by their parents. With the help of his friend Pasquale, Crispino is able to reunite the lovers and break the curse that has been placed on him. The music of "Crispino e la Comare" is characterized by its lively and playful melodies, which are typical of the opera buffa genre. The opera features a number of memorable arias and ensembles, including the famous "La donna è mobile" aria, which was later used in Verdi's "Rigoletto." Overall, "Crispino e la Comare" is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases the talents of Federico Ricci and his collaborators. Its premiere in 1850 was a great success, and the opera continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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