Love’s Luggage Lost, L’Occasione fa il ladro, is an opera rarely performed today. I for one had never heard of it and was looking forward to the recent Opera North’s revival of it as one of their recent productions in their Eight Little Opera Greats at the Lyric Theatre in the Lowry Centre, Manchester. The opera was composed by Gioachino Rossini in 1812 and the libretto, written in Italian, by Luigi Privdali. Entitled L’Occasione fa il ladro, it translates literally as Opportunity Makes the Thief. An Opera Farsa, the story whilst hilarious contains all the traditional elements of arias, duets and ensembles. The performance I went to was superb sung in English with a contemporary setting and with clever little tweaks to the libretto to bring it up to date. This performance was set in an aeroplane one of ‘Queasy Jets’ and an airport baggage room. I enjoyed the performance so much I wondered just what an original production would sound like and so I looked for the CD.
In the programme, the recording recommended by Opera North and duly bought by myself, was released on the Claves label on 13th August 1996.
Love’s Luggage Lost is only short in length containing only one act. An operatic “farsa”, the storyline involves mixed-up luggage, mixed-up identities and double marriages. Rossini, born on 29th February 1792 in Italy, was already experienced in the composition of opera by the time of L’Occasione fa il ladro and the genre already in existence. Rossini, however, shaped the opera genre into his own unique style.
Instrumental storm music opens the opera, followed by an introduction to the story by Don Parmenione (Natale de Carolis - bass). Parmenione and his friend Martino are travelling together when they meet Count Alberto (Iorio Zennaro – tenor) who is going to his wedding without having met his bride. Accidently, they take each other’s luggage. Parmenione opens the suitcase and finds a portrait of a woman who he assumes to be the bride and falls in love. By assuming the identity of the count, Parmenione plans to trick the bride and marry her himself.
Meanwhile, the bride, Bernice (Maria Bayo – soprano) swaps places with a family friend, Ernestina (Francesca Provvisionato – mezzo-soprano) so that she can assess the truth behind the groom’s professed love. Don Parmenione arrives falls in love with the bride (actually the friend) and she him. Count Alberto then arrives, meets the servant (actually the bride) and falls in love with her. A magnificent quintet takes place in which all characters sing separate parts – the highlight of the opera. After much confusion, the truth is finally ousted and a double wedding takes place.
The orchestration is played by English Chamber Orchestra consisting of violins, violas, cellos, double basses, piccolo, flutes, oboes, clarinets, French Horns and a single bassoon, conducted by Marcello Viotta.
I thoroughly enjoyed the CD. This version is as lively and full of fun, as the live performance I went to. Colourful and larger-than-life characters abound and the lively production and performance lifted my spirits. I am at a loss to know why this opera is not very well known.
Rossini excels in composing memorable melodies and this opera is no exception. The central ensemble is sparkling and captivating. Each time you play the CD, you hear something different. If you take the plunge and listen to this as I recommend that you do, you will not be disappointed. This could become as popular as the Barber of Saville.
All in all, an excellent example of Rossini’s work.
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