Technical Details: Interactive menu Sound: DTS/ DD 5.1/ Digital Stereo Region Code: worldwide Picture Format: 4:3  Special: 5.1 Surround Check Tool   Running Time: ca. 95 min.

Order No: 55009 Joseph Haydn Lo Speziale Comic Opera in three acts Orchestra: Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana Conductor: Marc Andreae Soloists: Antonella Manotti, Carmen Gonzales, Luigi Alva, William Matteuzzi, Riccardo Castagnole Mengone has entered the service of the apothecary Sempronio in order to be near the old man's ward Grilletta. His progress in wooing is slow, for Sempronio seldom leaves Grilletta alone. Another suitor, the rich young fop Volpino, tries to bribe Sempronio by promising him a post as the Turkish Sultan's apothecary. Sempronio accepts but, not wishing to meet the condition of Grilletta's marriage to Volpino, sends Mengone for a notary, thinking to marry her himself. Volpino enters, disguised as a notary; immediately afterwards Mengone perpetrates the same masquerade. Sempronio dictates the marriage contract, which each notary adapts to his own purpose. When the ruse is discovered, Volpino disappears, to return later disguised as the Sultan. When he attempts to carry off Grilletta, Sempronio protests, whereupon the false Turks begin to break up the shop. Mengone saves the situation and wins the frightened Sempronio's promise of Grilletta's hand. Volpino retires, baffled, and the "Turks" and neighbours join in the jubilation.  Lo Speziale is Haydn's second opera, written for the opening of the opera house at Esterhaza in 1768. It was the first of Haydn's operas to be revived in modern times (Mahler produced a version), but has been overshadowed by his later works. The work has none of the solemnity and complexity of the old operatic tradition. The story is simple, the music lively and witty and the arias are more developed musically than in Italian operas of the period. Changes of mood and character are reflected in the music and the ensembles are a foretaste of those of Cosi fan Tutte and Figaro.