Study meeting on Il turco in Italia open to the public
Speakers
Prof. Stefano Verdino
Italian literature teacher
Prof.ssa Giada Viviani
Professor of Musicology and Music History
In a seaside resort near Naples, a poet cannot find a subject for his ‘comic drama’, while lively gypsies appear on the beach and a weak and fearful man, Geronio, runs to have his fortune told in order to get the better of his wife Fiorilla, who is capricious and flirtatious with various lovers. The arrival of a sailing ship carrying a charming Turkish prince, Selim, provides the poet with the impetus for action. Fiorilla flirts with Selim, much to the dismay of her husband and his valet, Narciso, and then fights with Zaida, a gypsy and Selim’s former lover. But the poet, orchestrating a game of double disguises at a masked ball, composes a happy ending complete with Fiorilla’s repentance and double reconciliation.
Felice Romani wrote a brilliant metadrama for Rossini, based on 18th-century librettos: the result is a refined balance between parody and characterisation with comedic traits, in which Mozart’s influence can be fruitfully discerned.
The last title of the season at the Teatro Carlo Felice is introduced by a meeting held by university lecturers, who share their expertise and knowledge of the latest research with listeners, young and old alike.
The initiative aims first and foremost to offer younger generations the opportunity to fully appreciate the extraordinary beauty of an artistic heritage that can significantly enrich their lives, both as young people and throughout their adult lives.
