Читать книгу The Collins Guide To Opera And Operetta - Michael White - Страница 56
Оглавление(The Secret Marriage)
FORM: Opera in two acts; in Italian
COMPOSER: Domenico Cimarosa (1749–1801)
LIBRETTO: Giovanni Bertati; after Colman and Garrick’s play
FIRST PERFORMANCE: Vienna, 7 February 1792
Principal Characters
Geronimo, a rich merchant Bass
Carolina, Geronimo’s daughter Soprano
Elisetta, another daughter Soprano
Fidalma, Geronimo’s widowed sister Mezzo-soprano
Paolino, Geronimo’s clerk Tenor
Count Robinson Bass
Synopsis of the Plot
Setting: Bologna; 18th century
ACT I Paolino and Carolina have been secretly married and Carolina feels it is now time to break the news to her father, Geronimo, particularly as he has just heard that the aristocratic Count Robinson is on his way to propose to her sister, Elisetta. Geronimo is, of course, delighted to learn of the Count’s imminent arrival and Elisetta effortlessly assumes the airs of a countess, thus provoking a quarrel with her sister. Fidalma tries to make peace between the girls. All this talk of marriage has made her think of her own situation, and she reflects on her secret love for Paolino. Count Robinson arrives, but mistakes first Fidalma, then Carolina, for his future bride; when he is finally introduced to Elisetta, the least attractive of the three, he announces that he would rather have Carolina instead. Elisetta is furious and the act ends in pandemonium.
ACT II Geronimo is confronted by the Count who proposes that, instead of marrying Elisetta, he will take Carolina – for half the originally agreed dowry. Geronimo agrees and tells Paolino, who decides, reluctantly, to tell the truth to Fidalma in the hope that she will help them. Fidalma mistakes his reticent behaviour for the bashfulness of a lover and accepts the proposal of marriage she thinks he is about to make! Paolino is so shocked he faints and Fidalma is trying to revive him when Carolina comes upon them and demands an explanation. Meanwhile, Elisetta and Fidalma have hatched a plot to get Geronimo to send Carolina to a convent; Paolino and Carolina decide that they must run away. They are hiding in Carolina’s room when Elisetta bursts in, claiming Carolina is up to no good with the Count, who then emerges from his own room to ask what the fuss is about. At last Paolino and Carolina admit they are married and are forgiven; the Count agrees to marry Elisetta and harmony is restored.
Music and Background
A sparkling, romantic buffo comedy, Il Matrimonio Segreto straddles the worlds of Mozart (who died just two months before its first performance) and composers-to-come Rossini and Donizetti. The fast-moving patter songs certainly look foward to Italian bel canto writing, as does the needle-sharp clarity of the more lyrical numbers.
Highlights
Geronimo’s wide-ranging Act I aria ‘Udite tutti’ is a piece of evergreen operatic comedy; and the following female voice trio for Carolina, Elisetta and Fidalma, ‘Le faccio un inchino’, sustains the fun. Act II brings Paolino’s lyrical ‘Pria che spunti’ as the lovers resolve to run away.
Recommended Recording
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Arleen Augér, Julia Varady, Julia Hamari, English Chamber Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim. Immaculately characterised performances, directed with great spirit.
