Cinderella (La Cenerentola) Composed by Gioacchino Antonio Rossini
Premiered January 25, 1817
Prince Ramiro dresses as his own valet so as to see the woman his tutor, Alidoro, has told him of without her, or anyone else, knowing who he is. Alidoro had arrived earlier dressed as a beggar as was treated well by no one but Cenerentola. Ramiro arrives at the home at Don Magnifico, Baron of Montefiascone, his two daughters, Clorinda and Tisbe, and Cenerentola to annouce that the prince will be visiting shortly. His real valet, Dandini, arrives dressed as the prince and Clorinda and Tisbe fawn over him. Dandini, as the prince, invites the sisters to a ball and Cenerentola is to be left behind. Fortunately, Alidoro reveals his identity to Cenerentola and escorts her to the ball. At the ball, everyone is shocked by the arrival of a mysterious woman who resembles Cenerentola. Dandini, still disguised as the prince, dances with Cenerentola and at the end of the evening she declines Dandini's affections and tells him she is in love with his valet. She gives Ramiro, one of two matching bracelets and tells him that he will find her if it is meant to be. Soon after, Dandini arrives at Don Magnifico's door saying the prince's carriage had overturned. Cenerentola realizes the prince is Ramiro, he sees the bracelet, and they leave to begin their life together.