IL MATRIMONIO SEGRETO
29TH - 30TH JUNE 2013
CAIO MELISSO CARLA FENDI THEATRE - SPOLETO
For the 56th edition of the Spoleto Festival, the Carla Fendi Foundation welcomed the collaboration proposal from Artistic Director Giorgio Ferrara, contributing to the staging of Il matrimonio segreto, the 1792 dramma giocoso by Domenico Cimarosa. The production was the occasion to return to the public the celebrated “rich scene” painted by Domenico Bruschi, which the meticulous restoration work on the Caio Melisso Theatre, initiated by the Foundation in 2010, brought back to its original magnificence. In honour of its patron, the theatre has been renamed Caio Melisso Carla Fendi Theatre. The opera was conducted by the English maestro Ivor Bolton with the orchestra of the Petruzzelli theatre of Bari, while the production featured sets and direction by Quirino Conti. The costumes were designed by Academy Award–winner Piero Tosi, crafted by the renowned Tirelli atelier with the support of the Carla Fendi Foundation and are now part of the Historic Collection of the atelier.
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CARLA FENDI E PIERO TOSI
The personal and professional relationship between Carla Fendi and Piero Tosi grew stronger over time, nurtured by mutual esteem and affection. As Carla Fendi stated, it was a privilege and a point of pride for the Foundation to contribute to the creation of the costumes for Il matrimonio segreto, witnessing Tosi at work as he shaped the identity of each character. From the initial sketches of each costume to the fittings in the atelier, Carla Fendi followed every stage of the process with him, from the design of the silhouettes to the construction of the volumes, captivated by his expert guidance in choosing colours and fabrics. His attention to every detail, from accessories to the finest finishing touches, made Tosi’s talent legendary: a cultured, refined, and unassuming genius who profoundly influenced the history of cinema and theatre, preserving the knowledge of the most masterful sartorial construction techniques, a heritage now at risk and a passion he shared with the tradition of the Fendi family.
IL MATRIMONIO SEGRETO - THE STORYLINE
In the libretto by Giovanni Bertati, the action is set in Bologna and revolves around Don Geronimo’s desire to marry off his eldest daughter, Elisetta, to her betrothed, Count Robinson. However, upon arriving at his future father-in-law’s home, the Count immediately falls in love with Elisetta’s younger sister, Carolina, and becomes determined to break his promise in order to marry her instead. But Carolina has already secretly married Paolino, Don Geronimo’s assistant, despite their difference in social rank. Amid quarrels, bickering, envy, and intrigue — also involving the sisters’ aunt, Fidalma — the lighthearted plot concludes happily. Cimarosa’s lively eighteenth century was brought to life by Tosi through a vibrant palette of pastel-coloured bodices, dressing gowns with floral patterns, and elaborate hairstyles, all of which, set within the theatre’s jewel-like interior and its richly adorned stage contributed to the opera’s vivacity and charm. Now a classic of opera buffa, it is said that at its premiere Emperor Leopold II was so delighted with Il matrimonio segreto that he requested it be performed again the very same evening.
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