Le magnifique (opera)

Le magnifique (The Magnifico) is a French-language opéra comique in three acts by André Grétry to a libretto by Michel-Jean Sedaine, after Jean de La Fontaine; it was first performed on 4 March 1773 at Comédie-Italienne, Paris.

The opera opens as a gaggle of captives is processed past the home of Clémentine and her servant, Alix.

The master of the house, Clémentine's father Horace, a wealthy merchant of Florence, had been shipwrecked nine years earlier alongside his servant Laurence, Alix's husband.

As Alix leaves to investigate, she mentions that Clémentine's tutor, Aldorandin, who had been her caretaker in her father's absence, would like to marry her.

Le Magnifique professes his love for Clémentine, and, realizing her forced silence, tells her to drop the rose she is holding if she would be willing to marry him.

Clémentine leaves the room while Alix and Laurence sing of their joy of being together again ("Te voilá donc").

She goes out to look for him while Clémentine sings of her excitement for being reunited with her father and her hopes that he will give her his blessing to marry Le Magnifique ("Jour heureux!").

Aldorandin claims to have received none and insists that the care he provided to Horace's daughter and estate should be proof enough of his loyalty.

Aldorandin is dismissed from the house and Horace gives his blessing to the marriage of Clémentine and Le Magnifique.