Composer

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Domenico Cimarosa

Genre

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Opera

Il mercato di Malmantile is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Domenico Cimarosa. The libretto was written by Giuseppe Palomba and it was first performed at the Teatro dei Fiorentini in Naples on 28 August 1783. The plot of the opera revolves around the inhabitants of the small Tuscan town of Malmantile, who are preparing for their annual market day. The town's mayor, Buonafede, is a miserly and suspicious man who is convinced that everyone is out to cheat him. He is particularly wary of his wife, Rosaura, who he believes is having an affair with a young man named Federico. In reality, Rosaura is innocent and Federico is in love with another woman, Lisetta. As the market day approaches, the townspeople are busy preparing their wares and trying to outdo each other in salesmanship. Meanwhile, Buonafede becomes increasingly paranoid and suspicious, convinced that everyone is trying to cheat him. He even goes so far as to disguise himself as a peasant in order to spy on his wife and catch her in the act of infidelity. In the end, all of the misunderstandings are cleared up and the truth is revealed. Buonafede learns to trust his wife and the townspeople, and everyone celebrates a successful market day. Il mercato di Malmantile is a classic example of the opera buffa genre, which was popular in Italy in the late 18th century. It features lively, comic music and a fast-paced plot full of mistaken identities and misunderstandings. The music is characterized by its catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and playful use of harmony and rhythm. The opera was a great success when it premiered in Naples in 1783, and it quickly became one of Cimarosa's most popular works. It was later performed throughout Europe, including in Vienna, Paris, and London. Today, it is still occasionally performed and recorded, and it remains a beloved example of the opera buffa genre.

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