Le Stravaganze del conte

work by Cimarosa

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July 14, 2026

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Le Stravaganze del conte is an early comic opera by Domenico Cimarosa, first performed in 1772. Cimarosa was a prominent Italian composer known for his comic operas.1

Comic opera, or opera buffa, developed from comic subplots within serious operas and from independent intermezzi (short comic pieces performed between acts). These operas often featured characters and situations drawn from commedia dell'arte, a form of Italian popular theatre. Comic opera provided a space for musical and dramatic innovation, focusing on more realistic situations and ordinary people, and often incorporated a satirical tone.2

Le Stravaganze del conte was Cimarosa's debut in the genre and was successful, leading to further works that cemented his reputation.1

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Domenico Cimarosa
…career with the comic opera Le Stravaganze del conte, performed at the Teatro de’ Fiorentini at Naples in 1772. Its success was followed by that of L’Italiana in Londra (Rome, 1778), a work still performed in Italy. From 1784 to 1787 Cimarosa lived in various Italian cities, composing both serious…
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…career with the comic opera Le Stravaganze del conte, performed at the Teatro de’ Fiorentini at Naples in 1772. Its success was followed by that of L’Italiana in Londra (Rome, 1778), a work still performed in Italy. From 1784 to 1787 Cimarosa lived in various Italian cities, composing both serious…
Read More