Farinelli (opera)

The book is an adaptation of the anonymous Farinelli, ou le Bouffe du Roi, premiered in Paris in 1835.

The story is based on the legend that, while he was in the service of Philip V of Spain, the beauty of Farinelli's singing was able to cure the king of his melancholia.

For the purpose of the opera Farinelli becomes a tenor; at the premiere the role was taken by the composer and singer Michael William Balfe.

At the first night, Balfe broke down through a fit of nervousness, and this naturally affected the reception of the opera, which nevertheless received over 50 performances.

His singing rouses the melancholic king to action; Gil is dismissed and exiled, Farinelli is honoured and can marry Leonora.