Haydn’s Comic Opera 'Lo Speziale' Debuts at Teatro São Luiz
Young singers from São Carlos Opera Studio perform the rare 18th-century work.
1Opera Production Debut
The Teatro São Luiz in Lisbon hosts the premiere of Joseph Haydn’s comic opera, 'Lo speziale', this Friday. Performed by young singers from the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, the production is a key component of the 2026/2027 training season, showcasing the lesser-known operatic side of the renowned Austrian composer.
2Plot and Characters
The story centers on Sempronio, an aging apothecary attempting to marry his young ward, Grilletta. Complications arise as Grilletta loves the apprentice Mengone, while a rival suitor named Volpino adds to the chaos. The plot features classic 18th-century comedic tropes, including elaborate disguises, intense jealousy, and frequent misunderstandings between the characters.
3Reconstructing Lost Scores
Composed in 1768 with a libretto by Carlo Goldoni, the original score for the third act was lost over time. To ensure a complete performance, the production utilizes a reconstruction by H. C. Robbins Landon. This version integrates other Haydn compositions to fill the gaps, providing a practical, performable musical framework.
4Professional Training Focus
The production serves as a professional training ground for young vocalists selected through rigorous auditions. Accompanied by the Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, the singers undergo a process mirroring professional theater standards. Maestro João Paulo Santos emphasizes that stage experience is essential for developing the dramatic skills required for a global career.
5Gender and Casting
In keeping with 18th-century musical conventions, the male role of Volpino is performed by a female singer. The production has opted to double-cast several roles, including Grilletta and Volpino, to provide stage experience to a larger number of young artists. This approach maximizes the educational impact of the current season.
6Goldoni’s Theatrical Influence
Maestro João Paulo Santos highlights the skill of librettist Carlo Goldoni, noting the direct and relatable nature of the dialogue. Unlike operas featuring royalty, this work focuses on common people, allowing performers to bridge the gap between music and dramatic action. This realism is vital for the development of young operatic talent.
7Haydn's Operatic Legacy
While Haydn is celebrated for his symphonies and string quartets, his fifteen operas remain largely overlooked. Santos suggests this neglect stems from the historical shadow cast by Mozart’s masterpieces. The current production aims to rectify this imbalance, arguing that Haydn’s dramatic writing deserves a permanent place in the modern operatic repertoire.
8Performance Details
The opera will be performed at the São Luiz Teatro Municipal on Friday at 20:00 and Sunday at 17:30. Admission is free, though attendance is subject to the venue's capacity. This initiative represents a significant effort to integrate historical musical research with the practical training of the next generation of performers.
Original article: Notícias ao Minuto — Haydn’s Comic Opera 'Lo Speziale' Debuts at Teatro São Luiz