Lo Speziale

• Sempronio, the pharmacist ( bass)
• Grilletta, his ward (soprano )
• Mengone, assistant Sempronios (Tenor)
• Volpino, a young man about town (soprano - trouser role )

Lo Speziale ( German: The Apothecary) is a comic opera in three acts by Joseph Haydn. Every now and then the opera will be performed in a one-act processing. Whether the libretto, as indicated sporadically, was actually written by Carlo Goldoni, is controversial. Agreement among the experts, however, is that at least the submission comes from him. There are conflicting data regarding also the day of the premiere. Sure seems to be that the work in 1768 at Schloss Esterhazy for the first time went on the stage.

Orchestra

Two flutes, two oboes, bassoon, two horns, a drum, a triangle and strings.

Action

Act I

The pharmacist Sempronio has the best years of his life long past, and because we know that age does not protect from foolishness, he has his eye on his lovely ward Grilletta. But Sempronio is not the only one who has it in for the beauty, for there were still the rich dandy Volpino and the pharmacy assistant Mengone. The latter works only because of his beloved at the pharmacy. By contrast, pharmacy he understands precious little.

Suddenly Volpino enters the sales room and puts Grilletta who just works there, a few recipes, which he has exhibited himself. In truth, he is eager only to a rendezvous with the beautiful girl. But while he has granite; because Grilletta gives him clearly to understand that he is not her type. Angry makes Volpino from the dust.

As soon as he is gone, there also appeared somewhere Grillettas second worshiper at. Although he has a crush on the one hand in the girl, but on the other hand so shy that he can not confess his love to her. Since Grilletta takes the initiative and asks him to finally step out of themselves and their guardian to hold her hand. Mengone feels like heaven and takes Grilletta in his arms. When the couple passionately kissing, appeared on the old pharmacist and drives the two apart.

Second Act

Volpino is not to conquer Grilletta. He has forged a new plan: He now seeks to Sempronio personally and wants to make him the Turkish Sultan was looking for a new pharmacist and this is no other more appropriate than he, Sempronio. This initially feels flattered and shows their agreement. But when he hears the price for it - Volpino wants Grillettas hand as placement fee - to come to him but concerns. Grilletta he will not want to miss. Swiftly he dismisses his assistant to fetch a notary, who must seal the marriage.

Sempronio is very surprised to suddenly crave two notaries in his intake. As such, the two lovers have Grillettas disguise, because each of them is out on to sign as a husband the contract. But the old pharmacist can not be so easily intimidated. It recognizes the dizziness and chases the two of them.

Act Three

All his plans to conquer Grilletta have so far failed; but not as fast Volpino throws in the towel. He and his ministers also be transformed as the Turkish nobles and go to the pharmacy. Opposite Sempronio to Volpino are from a rich Pasha, who intends to buy the store. In truth, however, he followed the plan to kidnap the object of his desire, namely Grilletta. When Sempronio sets to defend themselves vigorously, the supposed Turks get so enraged that they begin to demolish the facility. Sempronio is powerless and can only cry out for help. Mengone heard him, but demanded that he give him Grilletta wife. The desperate Sempronio remains in its position left nothing more than comply with this request.

Mengone has immediately the wrong game of " Turks" by looks. When he threatens Volpino an action for damages, it prefers to look hastily with his men into the distance.

Mengone Grilletta and give yourself the betrothal kiss.

Music

Haydn has composed his opera. The individual arias and ensembles by secco recitatives and accompanied by strings accompagnati interconnected. Triangle and drum join only in the finale to to indicate an oriental flavor.

Media

• (CD) Joseph Haydn: " The Pharmacist ", Berlin Classics 782 124 171 223 EAN, recording in Italian.

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Pictures of a performance

• Opera by Title
• Opera in Italian
• Opera by Joseph Haydn
• Opera buffa
• Opera of the 18th century
• By Carlo Goldoni
• Music 1768