|
Opera Synopses
|
Gianni SchicchiBy Giocomo PucciniLibretto by Giovacchino Forzano Time: 14th century Buoso Donati, wealthy and noble Florentine, has just died at home in bed. He is surrounded by several relatives who are inordinately interested in his will. Each fears the rumor is true that Donati has willed his entire estate to a monastery. After a spirited search, his nephew Rinuccio finds the will (Salvàti! Il testamento di Buoso Donati!), and their worst fears are confirmed. Rinuccio suggests to his family that the nouveau riche Gianni Schicchi, father of his beloved Lauretta, is the only one clever enough to save the day (Firenze è come un albero fiorito). The relatives protest that Schicchi is beneath them socially, but their desperation causes them to agree to Rinuccio’s plan. When Schicchi arrives with Lauretta, Rinuccio is elated to see her. However, his aunt Zita refuses to honor a match with such a lowly girl. Schicchi tries to persuade his daughter that she would be better off without such mercenary relatives, but she only has eyes for her Rinuccio. Rinuccio begs Schicchi to examine the will. When Schicchi refuses, his daughter pleads with him to help (O mio babino caro). Won over by Lauretta, Schicchi considers the situation and then describes an incredible plan. The Donati family must not tell anyone that Buoso is dead until Schicchi, disguised as the dying Buoso, has time to dictate a new will. The family is quick to agree to this outrageous plan, and each member describes what they would like from the estate in hilarious detail. They even try to bribe Schicchi. Then the women recover Buoso’s nightclothes and bedeck Schicchi in Buoso’s bed (Spogliati, bambolino). They call in the notary, fortunately an out-of-towner, and Schicchi dictates the will. He gives a paltry five florins to the monastery. The relatives receive a few pastures and country houses. The bulk of the estate, including the house and its contents, he bequeaths to his good friend – Gianni Schicchi! When the notary and the witnesses leave, Schicchi uses a stick to drive out the furious Donatis, who are utterly undone. Schicchi begs the audience for forgiveness as he observes his daughter and Rinuccio standing on the balcony gazing at one another, deep in love. He knows the money will set them free. Buoso’s GhostBy Michael ChingLibretto by Michael Ching Time: 14th century The opera begins where Gianni Schicchi ends. Schicchi watches the deliriously happy Lauretta and Rinuccio declare their undying love and sends them off to Porta Rossa to buy their rings. Schicchi begins to tidy up his new house and discovers some of the notes and gifts of food and drink brought to Buoso on his deathbed by his relatives. He decides to sample them and discovers they are befouled. Even Buoso’s bird has died from the poisoned offerings. He suspects foul play on the part of Donati’s relatives. The monks suddenly arrive, eager to acquire what they believe will be the bulk of Donati’s estate. When Schicchi presents them with a mere five florins, they curse Buoso Donati and leave. Then, as if to confirm his suspicions, apparitions of the Donati family members appear and confess to poisoning old Buoso for his money. Schicchi scribbles a note and puts it in Buoso’s pocket when he hears the flesh-and-blood relatives yelling on his doorstep that they have called in the magistrate. The Donatis attempt to accuse Schicchi of murdering poor Buoso for the inheritance. Schicchi whispers to each family member that he knows about the poisoned food and wine, and has the proof that they are the felons. Meanwhile, the magistrate describes his credentials and the horrible punishment he will mete out if this murder is proven. The relatives do an instant about-face and try to butter up Schicchi with flattery so that he will get them off the hook again. Schicchi reaches into Buoso’s pocket for the note he put there and hands it to the magistrate. It is a suicide note, and it is quickly authenticated by all. When the magistrate leaves, satisfied that old Buoso Donati did himself in, the enraged relatives try to kill off Schicchi. But a great thunderstorm ensues, the candles blow out, and Schicchi again seizes the moment with his greatest imitation to date. As Buoso’s ghost, he rises up in the darkness and curses the relatives, chasing away all but poor aunt Zita, who remains cowering on the floor. Zita confesses that she has lost everything now that her nephew Rinuccio has left her for Schicchi’s daughter. Schicchi agrees that it is bad to be alone and invites her to share some good wine – from the cellar. When she goes off to get it, Schicchi again begs forgiveness from the audience, this time for the upstart composer who has tried to one-up the great Puccini.
Return to the Opera Synopses page.
|
