II MONDO DELLA LUNA (The World on the Moon)

By Joseph Haydn

Dramma giocoso in three acts with a libretto by Carlo Goldoni

PREMIERE: 3 August 1777, Eszterháza

The opera was first performed as part of the celebrations accompanying the marriage of Count Nicolaus, second son of Prince Nicolaus I, and Countess Maria Anna Weissenwolf.

SYNOPSIS

Act I

Eccitico and his students are observing the moon, eager to establish the presence of human life there. The ill-humoured Bonafede is persuaded by them that a better life exists on the moon. Ernesto, a knight, and his servant Cecco enter, and it emerges that Ernesto and Eccitico are in love with Bonafede’s daughters, Flamina and Clarice, and Cecco with Lisetta, the maid. Ecclitico convinces them that Bonafede can be tricked into allowing a triple marriage. Bonafede takes a potion which he is told will transport him to the moon. He bids everyone farewell: his daughters imagine that he is dying but are placated by the reading of a forged will leaving them a handsome dowry.

Act II

In Ecclitico’s garden, disguised as the moon, Bonafede wakes to the sound and sight of dancing and is prepared for his meeting with the emperor of the moon (Cecco in disguise). The old man, now rather a forlorn figure, woos Lisetta, who spurns him; she is about to be crowned the queen of the lunatics. Bonafede is duped into sanctioning the marriage of his two daughters. When he discovers the deceit everyone asks his forgiveness.

Act III

In Eccitico’s house Bonafede agrees to forgive everyone and the triple marriage is sanctioned. Ecclitico announces that he is giving up astrology and everyone commends the good fortune that the world of the moon has brought.

Viking Opera Guide

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