About the work
Dramma giocoso in three acts by Antonio Salieri, the libretto based on a text by Carlo Goldoni. It premiered on 11 October 1774 in Vienna, at one of the two court-run theatres of the day – an early work from Salieri's first decade as a Viennese court composer.
Plot
The story centres on Bellarosa, the 'magnet of hearts', whose allure throws several couples into confusion. Faithful and jealous suitors clash until, in the manner of opera buffa, the pairs are sorted out again by the final curtain.
Cultural significance
Critics were divided – some found the subject too childish for such serious music – yet the opera was the season's top earner, outperforming even a ballet by Jean-Georges Noverre. It displays Salieri's skilful orchestral writing, including a dedicated sinfonia for two orchestras.