La ópera cómica italiana en la corte portuguesa durante el reinado de João V (1728-1740)

Abstract

This article offers an overview of some of the more relevant aspects related with the production of Italian comic operas in the Lisbon Royal Palace during the reign of João V, in the period years 1728-1740. In particular the author has attempted to make a primary analysis of some of the aspects related with the reception of this repertory in the specific context of court ceremonial and courtly private entertainment, as well as the dramaturgical characteristics which are present in each of the different works. Thus each opera was analysed through a comparison with the librettistical sources used for its libretto, as well as the examination of the few preserved scores, in an attempt to establish the influence of certain dramaturgical models and peculiar musical styles, namely the Viennese and Neapolitan styles.