Lo Speziale

Lo speziale (The Apothecary), Hob. 28/3, is a three act opera buffa by Joseph Haydn, with a libretto by Carlo Goldoni.

A love triangle between the poor apprentice Mengone, the rich and assured dandy Volpino, and the local apothecary's ward, Grilletta, Lo speziale is a sidesplitting comedy of great warmth and ebullience.

Lo speziale prefigures Mozart. It opens with an aria complaining about an apprentice apothecary's job, much like Leporello's opening aria in Don Giovanni. The trouser role of Volpino reminds one of Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro and the young lovers' use of disguises will call Cosi fan tutte to mind.

The opera is scored for two flutes, two oboes, bassoon, two horns, strings, continuo.

Read more about Lo Speziale:  Performance History, Roles, Synopsis