Composer

:

Domenico Cimarosa

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1786

La baronessa Stramba is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Domenico Cimarosa. The opera was composed in 1786 and premiered at the Teatro dei Fiorentini in Naples on January 26, 1786. The libretto was written by Giuseppe Palomba. The plot of La baronessa Stramba revolves around the character of Baronessa Stramba, a wealthy and eccentric widow who is looking for a new husband. She is courted by several suitors, including the young and handsome Count Florville, who is in love with the Baronessa's niece, Rosina. The Baronessa, however, is determined to marry Florville herself and goes to great lengths to win his affections. The first act of the opera opens with the Baronessa's servants preparing for her arrival at her country estate. The Baronessa arrives and immediately begins to search for a new husband. She is courted by several suitors, including the bumbling Don Geronimo and the wealthy but unattractive Don Polidoro. The Baronessa is not interested in either of them and sets her sights on Count Florville, who is in love with Rosina. The second act of the opera opens with the Baronessa trying to win Florville's affections. She invites him to a party at her estate and tries to seduce him. Florville, however, is not interested in the Baronessa and is only there to see Rosina. The Baronessa becomes jealous and tries to sabotage Florville's relationship with Rosina. In the end, Florville and Rosina are able to overcome the Baronessa's interference and are reunited. The Baronessa is left alone and realizes that she will never find true love. La baronessa Stramba is a classic example of the opera buffa genre. It features a light-hearted and comedic plot, with characters that are often exaggerated and caricatured. The music is lively and upbeat, with catchy melodies and witty lyrics. The opera is also notable for its use of ensemble numbers, which are used to great effect in the party scene in the second act. Overall, La baronessa Stramba is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Cimarosa's talent for composing light-hearted and comedic music. It remains a popular work in the opera repertoire and is frequently performed today.

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