The Summer Opera. Salieri: La scuola de'gelosi, or,'The School for Jealousy'

The Summer Opera: 6.00 Reception; 6.30 Opera (first half); 7.45 Dinner Interval; 9.00 Opera (second half); 10.30 Curtain.

Salieris opera of jealous derring-do tells the story of the merchant Blasios jealous love for his wife Ernestina; of the Count of Banieras love for Ernestina; of the Countesss supposed love for the Lieutenant; and of Blasios love for Lisetta (who we never see in the opera). All are reconciled in the finale which takes place in the woods. The plot has been understood as a set of dangerous (but unrealised) entanglements, in which the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the servant class come close to crossing established social norms. First performed in Venice on 27 December 1778, the work was soon being seen in Vienna, and London, and it was much admired. Goethes well-known letter recounts: Yesterdays opera was charming, and well executed, it was the Scuola de Gelosi, Music by Salieri, opera favorite of the public, and the public is right. There is an astonishing richness, variety, and everything is treated with a very delicate taste. My heart was moved by every tune, especially the finales and quintets which are admirable. And so they are!