Recommended for Grades 6-12
In this resource, you will:
- Learn the opera’s background and synopsis
- Meet the opera’s composer
Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
by Gioachino Rossini
Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
by Gioachino Rossini
A quick overview of Rossini’s 1817 operatic dramma giocoso.
Background
Rossini composed La Cenerentola at the age of 24. Already the rising star of Italian opera, the overworked Rossini apparently composed La Cenerentola in a mere 24 days.
Some elements, such as the overture and the heroine’s grand finale, were borrowed from some of his previous works, and one of the duets was written the night before the premiere.
Although this performance was not particularly successful, within months, the work had been performed to acclaim throughout Italy and quickly became a hit abroad.
One of the greatest masters of vocal writing, Rossini’s genius was in depicting the humanity of his characters through music that bubbles and sparkles with optimism, humor, and vitality.
Synopsis
Act I
While her sisters Clorinda and Tisbe live like princesses, Angelina (known as “Cenerentola,” or Cinderella) is reduced to household drudgery. A hungry beggar appears at their door, and Angelina alone treats him with kindness. When word arrives that the prince, Don Ramiro, intends to choose his bride at a ball that very evening, the girls’ father, Don Magnifico, envisions a glorious future and urges Clorinda and Tisbe to make a good impression.
When the house is quiet, Don Ramiro himself enters, disguised as a servant. His tutor Alidoro—the disguised beggar—has informed him that his perfect bride resides there. Ramiro’s valet, Dandini, arrives in rich garments, claiming to be the prince. Ramiro marvels at the shy beauty dressed in rags, but Don Magnifico orders Angelina to stay home while the others head off to the ball. Angelina is left behind with Alidoro, who consoles her, then escorts her to the ball.
Clorinda and Tisbe fail miserably in their attempt to make a good impression on the disguised Dandini, succeeding only in convincing Ramiro that they are conceited fools. Alidoro arrives at the ball with Angelina, whom nobody recognizes dressed in her elegant gown.
Act II
At the ball, Dandini pursues Angelina, who finally tells the “prince” that she is in love with someone else—his own servant. Overhearing this, Ramiro rushes forward and declares his love. She tells him that she is not at all what she seems. Giving him one of her bracelets, she leaves, telling him that he must seek her out.
Dandini finally reveals to Don Magnifico that he has merely been masquerading as the prince. The old fool knows that he will be a laughingstock. Back at her house, Angelina cannot forget the kind young servant at the palace. When her family returns, they vent their frustration on her. A group of travelers soon arrive: Ramiro, Dandini, and Alidoro. Angelina realizes that Ramiro is the true prince. Ramiro recognizes her bracelet as the mate to the one given to him at the ball and leads her to his palace.
Hailed by the wedding guests at the palace, Angelina can scarcely believe her good fortune. She begs her new husband to pardon her family, for she could never be truly happy until she knows the love of the father who rejected her and the sisters who treated her like a servant. Reconciled at last to her repentant family, Angelina ascends the throne with Ramiro.
by Mark A. Lyons
Meet the Artists
Read the Student Guide
Read the Family Guide
Read the Educator Guide
Read the Cuesheet
Listen to the Story
Jean-Antoine Laurent (1763–1832), Cinderella: a perfect match, 1818, oil on canvas [].
Presented by Washington National Opera, host Saul Lilienstein takes you through the musical world of Rossini’s 1817 princess tale, La Cenerentola.
Watch an Excerpt
Joyce DiDonato sings Angelina's aria from Act II of Rossini’s La Cenerentola. Production: Cesare Lievi. Conductor: Fabio Luisi.
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