Composer

:

Domenico Cimarosa

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1781

First Performance

:

Nov 2001Nov 1781

Average_duration

:

125:18

Giannina e Bernardone is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Domenico Cimarosa. The libretto was written by Giuseppe Palomba and the opera was first performed at the Teatro dei Fiorentini in Naples on 26 December 1781. The plot of the opera revolves around the love story of Giannina, a young and beautiful girl, and Bernardone, a wealthy merchant. Giannina is in love with Bernardone, but her father, Don Pietro, wants her to marry a rich and nobleman. Bernardone, on the other hand, is in love with Giannina but is afraid to confess his love to her because of his low social status. The first act of the opera begins with a scene in which Giannina and her friend, Rosina, are discussing their love lives. Giannina confesses her love for Bernardone, but Rosina advises her to forget him and marry a rich man. Meanwhile, Bernardone is trying to find a way to confess his love to Giannina, but he is interrupted by Don Pietro, who wants him to leave his daughter alone. In the second act, Bernardone decides to take matters into his own hands and disguises himself as a rich nobleman to win Giannina's heart. He succeeds in winning her over, but when Don Pietro finds out about the deception, he is furious and forbids Giannina from seeing Bernardone again. The opera ends with a happy resolution, as Don Pietro realizes that Bernardone truly loves his daughter and gives his blessing for their marriage. Giannina e Bernardone is characterized by its lively and humorous music, which perfectly complements the light-hearted and comedic plot. The opera features a number of memorable arias and duets, including Giannina's "Non so se sia la speme" and Bernardone's "Se vuoi ch'io t'ami ancor". Overall, Giannina e Bernardone is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Cimarosa's talent for composing light-hearted and comedic music. Its premiere in Naples in 1781 was a great success, and the opera remains popular among audiences and performers to this day.

More....