Acentral figure in late 18th century Italian comic opera, Domenico Cimarosa (a contemporary of Mozart) enjoyed great popular success in his lifetime. “Il matrimonio segreto (The Secret Marriage)” — a two-act opera for six characters, composed in 1792 — is considered his masterpiece.
This humorous cautionary tale about the consequences of keeping secrets features complex vocal ensemble scenes (the composer’s hallmark), beautiful melodies, and a witty libretto by Giovani Bertati.
Six performances of “Il matrimonio segreto” will take place in the BAM Harvey Theater, 651 Fulton Street, May 28, 29, 31 and June 3 & 4 at 7:30 p.m. and on June 1 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30-$90.
A BAMdialogue with Jonathan Miller will be held May 29 at 6 p.m. at the BAM Hillman Attic Studio. Tickets are $8. For more, call 718-636-4100 or visit www.bam.org.
The opera tells the delightfully comic story of three mismatched couples: the English Count Robinson arrives in Italy to wed one sister (Elisetta) but falls in love with the other (Carolina). The object of the Count’s desire is secretly married to another man (Paolino), who is pursued by the sister (Fidalma) of the two young women’s father (Geronimo). Cimarosa’s duets, trios, and extended ensembles — involving all six characters — advance the story and enhance the comedy. Order, in this Enlightenment work, is, of course, restored in the end.
The orchestra for this production comprises 31 members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic.
