Lo sposo di tre (1783) was a great success of the young Luigi Cherubini. The burlesque story of disguises and mistaken identities takes up the traditions of the Italian commedia dell’arte, with love-stricken elder gentlemen, a lawyer’s scene, etc. Cherubini wrote a sparkling array of effectively instrumented music pieces: entertaining, yet sometimes even deadly serious ensemble music, touching arias, virtuoso pieces, ballets and of course an ombra scene. The highlights are the great chain finales, particularly that of the first act which eventually leads all participants to madness with a delightful parody on thunderous organ sounds.

Editors: Elisabeth Bock & Helen Geyer
Librettist: Filippo Livigni