"La Cenerentola"

assia La Bont`a in trionfo

(Cinderella, or Goodness Triumphant)

by

Guiachino Rossini

25 January 1817

A Synopsis

Cenerentola (Angelina), stepdaughter to the Baron...................contralto

Don Ramiro, Prince of Salerno..................................................tenor

Dandini, valet (servant) to Don Ramiro......................................bass

Don Magnifico, Baron of Monte Fiascone...............................baritone

Clorinda, his daughter................................................................soprano

Tisbe, his daughter......................................................................mezzo-soprano

Alidoro, a philosopher, tutor to the Prince..................................bass

Act 1: scene 1: A Room in the Baron Magnifico's tumble-down mansion.

Clorinda and Tisbe, the Baron's daughters, are locked in their daily habit of bickering while Cenerentola quietly goes about her household chores. As she works, she sings her favorite song "Una volta c'era un re'": a tale of a king who, bored by being alone, chooses a bride not for her beauty or wealth, but for her goodness and innocence. This tune is later mockingly sung by the sisters whose higher voices are in sharp contrast to Cenerentola's warm contralto.

A knock is heard at the door and Don Ramiro's tutor, Alidoro, appears disguised as a beggar. The sisters spurn him with disgust , but Cenerentola manages to slip him some bread and coffee. The sisters' mood changes when courtiers announce the arrival of the Prince, who proposes to escort Don Magnifico's two daughters to his palace. Festivities are being held during which Prince Ramiro will choose a bride. Clorinda and Tisbe goad the servants into action, endlessly harassing Cenerentola, as everybody else stands around and watches.

The hubbub disturbs the Baron, who enters to tell about the bizarre dream he has just had. He tells of royal connections for Clorinda and Tisbe and himself. When the Prince finally arrives, he is disguised as his valet Dandini, and being told by Alidoro that there is a woman here worthy of his hand, is perplexed to find the house deserted. Cenerentola enters, and is so shocked to see a stranger there, she drops a cup and saucer. As she cleans up the mess, she explains shyly that "my father's not my father".

Dandini enters as the "Prince" and the entire household prepares for the departure to the Palace. The two sisters leave for the ball, but Ramiro and Dandini overhear Cenerentola's request that she may go too. Magnifico refuses, insulting Cenerentola, while at the same time trying to appear gracious to the Prince and his courtiers. Alidoro (who was dressed as a beggar previously) appears as himself and announces that he knows of a third daughter in the house. Magnifico blusters briefly, and then with Cenerentola standing beside him, states that the third daughter is dead. Cenerentola tries to deny the lie, by Magnifico repeats himself and pushes everyone out the door. Alidoro, again disguised as the beggar, returns to take Cenerentola to the ball singing of her innocence and goodness.

Act 1:scene 2: A room in the Prince's palace.

"Prince" Dandini offers Magnifico a position as official wine taster--since he has sampled 30 barrels of wine without falling down. The real Prince and Dandini briefly compare notes on their impressions of Don Magnifico's family and are mystified about Alder's insistence that one of the daughters is indeed worthy enough to marry.

When Clorinda and Tisbe finally track down the "Prince", he offers his servant 'Dandini' as a possible husband. They are, of course, outraged, but this turns to amusement when they see girl looking a lot like Cenerentola enter with Alidoro. The 'Prince' announces that it is time for dinner. All leave the scene in a state of confusion.

Act 2:scene1: A room in the Prince's palace.

The dinner is over, but Don Magnifico is worried about the lack of progress his daughters are making with the 'Prince'. He sings about how he will eventually be the Prince's father-in-law. Meanwhile, Cenerentola is tired of being pursued by "Prince' Dandini and tells him that she prefers his servant (the real Prince). Alidoro and Prince Ramiro are overjoyed to hear this, and the real Prince reveals himself.

Cenerentola forbids Prince Ramiro to follow her, and states that if he really does love her, he must search her out once she has left the court. She gives him a bracelet that matches the one she always wears as a clue. The Prince sings, resolving to find the mysterious girl.

Meanwhile, Don Magnifico confronts 'Prince' Dandini, demanding to know who he will marry. Dandini sings a comical duet about being patient, but ultimately reveals to Magnifico his real identity. Magnifico is first bewildered then furious.

Act 2: scene 2: A room at Don Magnifico's castle.

Cenerentola is once again in rags singing her favorite song as she works. Don Magnifico and his daughters return, remarking about how similar Cenerentola looks to the girl the 'Prince' was with most of the evening. Suddenly, a thunderstorm breaks the silence and soon the real Prince's carriage is stranded (conveniently) outside the castle. Once he is safely inside, the real Prince recognizes Cenerentola, and everyone is either bummed out or happy. All is eventually worked out and Cenerentola sings, begging that Don Magnifico and his daughters be forgiven.

Act 2: scene 3: At the Prince's palace.

Cenerentola is transformed from rags to her fairy-tale-like splendor. Goodness, innocence, and kindness win out in the end. All live happily ever after.