La Cenerentola, Opera by G. Rossini
A two-act opera by Gioachino Rossini, La Cenerentola is staged at Teatro Filarmonico in the heart of Verona. Based on a folk tale that is most commonly referred to in English as Cinderella, Rossini's version of the story was first performed in its operatic format on 25 January 1817 at Teatro Valle in Rome under the title La Cenerentola, ossia La bontà in trionfo. The librettist for this dramma giocoso, as this type of opera is known, was Jacopo Ferretti, a poet who also worked with Gaetano Donizetti during his career. Ferretti's libretto was based on a previous one written by Charles-Guillaume Étienne for the opera Cendrillon by Nicolas Isouard and another opera by Stefano Pavesi, with a libretto by Francesco Fiorini, named Agatina, o La virtù premiata. Like La Cenerentola, both these operas also took the Cinderella story as their inspiration. Rossini's opera is noted for widespread popularity in Europe and the United States despite some initial criticism from Italian audiences.
The opening act is set in Baron Don Magnifico's home where his daughters, Tisbe and Clorinda, soon reveal their self-interested ways. The Baron's stepdaughter, Angelina, who is called Cenerentola, is tasked with all of the daily chores while the two other siblings seemingly have everything their way and take it easy. Alidoro, a philosopher and the tutor of the local Prince, turns up and, in disguise, tries to establish whether any of the young ladies might make for a suitable bride. Only Cenerentola is kind to him.
Later, an invitation to the Prince's ball is offered. The Prince himself turns up but he is also wearing a disguise, setting himself up as his own valet, Dandini. Alidoro, it seems, has been advising the Prince and would like him to see for himself what the household is like. All the time, Don Magnifico expresses his excitement at potentially moving up the social ladder. When he and his daughters accept the invitation, Cenerentola begs to be allowed to attend but her stepfather cruelly dismisses the idea and she is left behind. At the end of the first act, Alidoro intervenes once more. He says he has arranged a gown, coach and jewels for Cenerentola so she will be able to attend, after all.
La Cenerentola is a classic tale told in a nuanced and interesting way with music that is sometimes passionate and sometimes inspired. Rossini wrote it following the commercial success of The Barber of Seville. His growing confidence, even as a young composer – he was just 25 when he wrote the score for La Cenerentola – is on show throughout. Audience goers can expect a charming story that, even though they may be familiar with the plot, will hold their interest through notable arias, such as Come un'ape ne' giorni d'aprile in act one and Nacqui all'affanno... Non più mesta in act two, among others.