Composer

:

Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

Mar 19, 1906

Average_duration

:

98:23

"I quattro rusteghi" is an opera composed by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari in 1906. The plot revolves around four wealthy Venetian merchants, or "rusteghi," who are overprotective of their wives and daughters. The men are suspicious of any male attention their female family members receive and go to great lengths to keep them isolated from the outside world. However, their plans are foiled when a group of young men, disguised as Turks, arrive in Venice and begin to court the rusteghi's daughters. The opera is set in 18th century Venice and is a comedic portrayal of the city's upper-class society. The music is light and playful, with a mix of traditional Italian melodies and modern harmonies. The characters are all caricatures, with exaggerated personalities and quirks that add to the humor of the story. "I quattro rusteghi" premiered on March 26, 1906, at the Hoftheater in Munich, Germany. It was an immediate success and quickly became one of Wolf-Ferrari's most popular works. The opera was later performed in Italy, Austria, and the United States, solidifying its place in the operatic canon. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct musical style and tone. The first act is light and playful, introducing the characters and setting up the conflict. The second act is more dramatic, with the rusteghi's plans falling apart and the young men's true identities being revealed. The final act is a comedic resolution, with the rusteghi's wives and daughters standing up to their husbands and asserting their independence. Overall, "I quattro rusteghi" is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Wolf-Ferrari's skill as a composer. Its playful music and exaggerated characters make it a favorite among audiences and performers alike.

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