Il matrimonio segreto
- Geronimo, a merchant ( bass)
- Fidalma, his sister (mezzo- soprano)
- Elisetta, his daughter (mezzo- soprano)
- Carolina, his daughter (Soprano)
- Earl Robinson ( bass)
- Paolino, assistant to Geronimo (Tenor)
Il matrimonio segreto ( The Secret Marriage ) is the 54th opera by Domenico Cimarosa ( 1749-1801 ) was written. The libretto was written by the Italian librettist Giovanni Bertati, of the comedy The Clandestine Marriage by David Garrick, a London actor, and George Colman the Elder used as a template, which was successfully premiered in 1766 at the Royal Theatre Drury Lane. To her comedy inspired they were by an engraving by the English painter William Hogarth.
Cimarosa's opera was, on 7 February 1792 k.k. National Court Theatre (Burgtheater ), Vienna, first performed. Even Emperor Leopold II, who gave the order to this opera, was present. Il matrimonio segreto is Cimarosa's probably best known opera ( he wrote over 70 ) and has been very successful in Europe. On the evening of the premiere the piece at the behest of the emperor had to be completely repeated a second time. In modern times, it was known by Giorgio Strehler's staging back to the opening of the Piccola Scala di Milano on December 26, 1955.
Content
Act 1
The wealthy businessman Geronimo lives with his widowed sister and his two daughters, without their mother in the same household. Geronimo wants his daughters to marry nobles, so ascend in society. The younger daughter, Carolina, however, is " secretly married " for the past two months with the accountant Paolino. The " Matrimonio segreto " has already taken place, only no one knows it, and certainly not Geronimo.
With the imminent arrival of a letter from Count Robinsone is announced, the eldest daughter of Geronimo Elisetta, is promised with a dowry of 100,000 crowns. Geronimo now announced the forthcoming marriage of Elisatta and the Count. Elisetta triumphs over her sister Carolina. Also Geronimo's sister dreams of marriage, but with the young Paolino, with whom she has fallen in love.
Count Robinsone arrives and recognizes mistake in Carolina his bride, in which he also instantly fell in love. The error is reported to the Count immediately. To Paolinos horror, however, the Count back Elisetta and insists on marrying Carolina. He waived for even half of the dowry.
Elisetta is furious with jealousy when she finds the Earl with Carolina. Fidalma worse, but the situation can not calm also. The hard of hearing Geronimo does not understand a word. In this confusion, the first act ends in a large-scale finale.
Act 2
Geronimo has experienced in a clarifying conversation with the count that this Carolina preferred. With prospect of saving the dowry of 50,000 scudi for the marriage to Carolina he agrees if Elisetta waives the promised her husband.
The desperate Paolino turns to Fidalma that they put in a good word for him with Geronimo. But Fidalma takes the opportunity and confesses her love Paolino. Carolina added, believes betrayed and provides Paolino angry to talk. Paolino can clear the misunderstanding. As a last resort them joint flight appears. Count Robinsone would be dissuaded from marrying him Elisetta. He plays to her, therefore, to be insane. But to the surprise of Count Elisetta can not depend on her decision to want to marry him.
The two rejected women Elisetta by Count and Fidalma Paolino, team up and decide to Geronimo to persuade that he sends Carolina to the monastery, to the wedding of Count with Elisetta vonstattenging.
Carolina wants to confess her father the "secret marriage ". Geronimo they can not finish, however, and sends it to the monastery. Carolina remains desperately alone. The Count added. He realizes that he can not win Carolinas love and now promises to help her. Elisetta, Fidalma and Geronimo see the two in a familiar situation and feel confirmed in their suspicion that the Earl Carolina is getting married.
Paolino and Carolina prepare their escape but are stopped by noises in the house and have to hide. Elisetta suspects the Count in Carolinas Room and calls on all cause. However, to the astonishment of all, the Count steps out of his own room.
Through carelessness Paolino and Carolina are discovered in their hiding place. Now confess her " secret marriage ". Fidalma is devastated, Geronimo falls once again into a rage. The Count promises now but to marry Elisetta. Geronimo forgiving and the day comes to an end happy.
Recordings
- Opera in Italian
- Opera of the 18th century