Don Procopio

From 1857 to 1860, Georges Bizet lived, worked and trained in Italy. At 19, with the opera “Doctor Miracle” (“The Wonderful Doctor”), he won the competition in Rome. Under the terms of the competition, the winner was obliged to provide the judges with a report essay. Acquainted with the comedy Carlo Cambiaggio (1798 - 1880), Georges Bizet decided to compose an opera buffa. The opera was written by him in the winter of 1858 - 1859. The composer admitted that he tried to find "his voice", although he deliberately used "Italian style" in the composition. The judges noted the progress in his work, but in the protocol signed by Ambroise Thoma, the opera was criticized and named “operetta”. Ambroise Toma suggested that he pay attention to spiritual music. Nevertheless, Georges Bizet sent the score of “Don Procopio” to the Paris Conservatoire, where the composition was approved, but the score itself was lost. She was accidentally found only in the papers of Daniel Ober, director of the conservatory, after his death in 1871. In 1894, the score was bought from his heirs by the Paris Conservatory ^{[1] [2] [3]} .

The premiere of was held at the opera house in Monte Carlo, in the Principality of Monaco on March 10, 1906. "Don Procopio" was given along with Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci" opera. Then the work was staged in 1907 in Barcelona and in 1908 in Rome. The original version was delivered at the Municipal Theater in Strasbourg on February 6, 1958.

The recording in Russian was made by Vladimir Esipov at the Melodiya farm in 1962. The opera was broadcast in Italian on the BBC, and in 1975 on French radio.

Act I

The servants are discussing the prospects of marriage of young Donna Bettina, which her uncle, Don Andronico, promised to marry to an ugly old man and a miser Don Procopio. Don Andronic's wife, Donna Eufemia is against this marriage and asks her husband to pity the girl. But the only argument for Don Andronik is that Don Procopio is very rich, so he is convinced that the old man is a profitable party for a young niece.

Donna Bettina herself is in love with a young officer, Don Odoardo. Odoardo and Ernesto, Bettina's brother appear under the sounds of the march. The three of them decide to upset the intended marriage. Bettina, in the presence of an old miser, should not do anything, but only talk a lot about how she suggests spending all his money after their wedding. Ernesto tells Odoardo about the merits of his sister, but he himself has already managed to notice them.

Servants begin preparations for weddings, gossiping that the old miser will become a father before the year ends. This is completely alarming Don Procopio. Don Androniko is trying to leave Prokopio and Bettina alone, but the old man is convinced that he is being trapped in order to get his money.

Act II

Odoardo confesses his love for Bettina. Bettina, left alone with Prokopio, begins to ask his wife. Prokopio protests, says that he is old and ugly, that he suffers from all the diseases characteristic of people of his age, that he is terribly jealous and loves to let in his cane. Bettina is pushing him, saying that she is capable of giving change. Offended by Procopio calls her a fiend, a witch and a viper.

Ernesto and Andronico blamed Procopio for refusing to marry. Brother requires a duel, uncle explanations. Prokopio says that Bettina is too young and not brought up, and most importantly, she will spend all his fortune. Andronico and Ernesto called Procopio an old fool. Procopio is running.

Androniko agrees to the marriage of a niece and a young officer. Bettina and Odoardo happy. Everyone is excited about the upcoming wedding of the young - uncle, aunt, brother and servants.

• Georges Bizet. "Don Procopio" (Fr.)