We’re showcasing another forgotten composer on this week’s Sunday Opera (1/26 3:00 p.m.) with the first opera in Italian to be performed in Portugal, Francisco Antonio de Almeida’s “La Spinalba, ovvero il Vecchio matto” (“Spinalba, or the Mad Old Man").
Not very much is known about this Almeida. He was born around 1702 and possibly died in the horrific Lisbon earthquake in 1755 when most of his output was thought to be lost. Fortunately, many of his works were saved, and his works were once again performed in the mid 20th century. “Spinalba” was performed in 1965 in Lisbon, and the complete original version on period instruments was released in 2012, and it is to that performance we’ll be listening.
“Spinalba” is a dramatic comedy which features all of the necessaries: cross-dressing, disguises, madness, misplaced affection, and faithlessness that manages to all work itself out in the third act for a happy ending.
Spinalba (Ana Quintans) is in love with Ippolito (Frenando Guimaraes), but Ippolito is far from faithful. He has disappeared and is currently wooing Elisa (Ines Madeira), Spinalba’s cousin. This causes a problem for Leandro (Mario Alves) because he thinks he’s currently Elisa’s lover.
To find out for herself what is happening, Spinalba disguises herself as a young man named Florindo, and she tries to befriend Ippolito. Unfortunately, Elisa decides that he loves Florindo more than either Ippolito or Leandro, and the fun begins.
Sadly, Spinalba’s father, Aresenio (Luis Rodrigues) is so upset by her disappearance, that he temporarily goes mad, but with the help of Spinalba’s stepmother Dianora (Catia Moreso), everything works out.
Adding to the fun are two wonderful changeable servants Vespina and Togno (Joana Seara and Joao Fernandes) who help to add to the merriment.
The cast is joined by Os Musicos do Tejo with Harpsichordist Marta Araujo joining the orchestra and conductor Marcos Magalhaes playing the harpsichord for the recitatives.
In the short time we’ll have together after the opera, we’ll hear the sinfonia from another of Francisco Antonio de Almeida’s works, this one called a “scherzo pastorale” titled “Il Trionfo d’Amore” performed once again by Os Musicos do Tejo with Magalhaes conducting.