Gianni Schicchi is one of the triptych (The Cloak, Sister Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi) composed by Puccini. A trilogy is an opera in which short works with different content are performed. Of the triptych, Gianni Schicchi is the most popular and is often performed alone. One of the highlights of Gianni Schicchi is “O mio babbino caro” (Oh, my dear papa), sung by Schicchi’s daughter Lauretta.
Gianni Schicchi, Opera: Character Map
Gianni Schicchi, Opera: Roles
| Gianni Schicchi | baritone | |
| Lauretta | Schicchi’s daughter | soprano |
| Rinuccio | Zita’s nephew | tenor |
| Zita | cousin of Buoso Donati | contralto |
| Gherardo | Buoso’s nephew | tenor |
| Nella | Gherardo’s wife | soprano |
| Betto di Signa | Buoso’s brother-in-law | bass |
| Simone | cousin of Buoso | bass |
| Marco | Simone’s son | baritone |
| La Ciesca | Marco’s wife | mezzo-soprano |
Gianni Schicchi, Opera: Summary
(Rinuccio and Lauretta are lovers, but his relatives oppose their marriage.)
Buoso, a rich man, dies. He had written in his will that he would leave all his possessions to the monastery. His relatives, who wanted his inheritance, are disappointed.
At Rinuccio’s suggestion, the relatives ask Skicchi if there is a way to inherit the estate. Skicchi initially refuses, but agrees to help for the sake of his daughter Lauretta. Skicchi decides to rewrite the will, pretending to be the deceased.
Gianni Schicchi, Opera: Act1, Synopsis
Buoso Donati’s bedroom
Buoso, a rich Florentine, dies. His relatives (Rinuccio and seven others) appear. They are exaggeratedly sad.
I heard a rumor in town. I heard that Buoso wrote a will saying that when he died, he would give all his money to the monastery.
If the will is in the notary’s hands, there’s nothing we can do. But if the will is in this room, there is hope for us!
They look for the will.
RinuccioThe will is here! Please give me a reward. You will allow me and Lauretta to marry, won’t you?
ZitaI don’t care who you marry, as long as we get the Buoso fortune.
Rinuccio speaks secretly to a relative’s child.
RinuccioBring Schicchi and Lauretta here.
They read the will.
The will states that all property is to be donated to the monastery.
RinuccioThere’s only one person. The one person who can save us from this predicament is Gianni Schicchi.
“I don’t want to hear the name Gianni Schicchi.”
“If Gianni Schicchi comes, I’ll hurt him.”
RinuccioHe is wise and reliable.
Florence has flourished like a blossoming tree. Let us welcome the new people who come to the city. Let us welcome Gianni Schicchi.
Firenze è come un albero fiorito
Firenze è come un albero fiorito, Gianni Schicchi: Lyrics
Schicchi and Lauretta appear.
Gianni SchicchiI’m sorry for your loss. When you have something to lose, you have something to gain.
ZitaI still don’t want to talk to you. Get out of here! I will not let your daughter marry Rinuccio!
He gets angry and tries to leave.
RinuccioIf you solve it, you will help me and Lauretta. Can you think of a way to solve it?
Gianni SchicchiI don’t want to, I refuse.
LaurettaMy father, I love him. If I can’t marry him, I’ll jump off a bridge. Please.
O mio babbino caro
O mio babbino caro, Gianni Schicchi: Lyrics
Gianni SchicchiLet me see the will. This is difficult. You’re out.
Lauretta leaves.
Gianni SchicchiWho else knows about his death?
No one knows he is dead.
Gianni SchicchiIt might work. Men, hide the body. Women, prepare his bed.
It’s not good. The doctor will be here soon.
Schicchi pretends to be Buoso in place of the hidden body. A doctor enters the room.
Doctor
Are you feeling well?
Gianni SchicchiI’m fine. I just need some sleep. Come back in the evening.
The doctor leaves.
Gianni SchicchiDid I look like Buoso?
You were just like him.
Gianni SchicchiI will impersonate Buoso and rewrite the will!
RinuccioI will bring the notary!
How should we divide the property? Cash, land, farm.
ZitaThe most important legacies are this house, the mule, and the mills at Signa!
Gianni Schicchi(How long can they get along?)
We’ll leave it to Schicchi to decide how to divide the property.
Gianni SchicchiAttention everyone. This announcement has been made. Anyone who pretends to be someone else and rewrites a will without permission and accomplices will have one hand amputated and be banished from Florence.
Farewell, Florence. Let us bid farewell to this city with our handless arm.
Prima un avvertimento
Prima un avvertimento, Gianni Schicchi: Lyrics
Notaries appear. Schicchi divided the estate equally among the relatives.
Gianni SchicchiI give this house, the mule, and the mills at Signa to my good friend Schicchi.
( whispering ) What? ! I won’t allow it, Schicchi!
Gianni SchicchiFarewell, Florence.
They have no say. Notaries leave.
Schicchi, what a terrible thing to do!
Gianni SchicchiThis house is mine. Get out!
They leave angrily. Rinuccio and Lauretta are pleased. Schicchi speaks to the audience.
Gianni SchicchiWhat other good way to divide the estate? I will go to hell for this crazy plan. But if you all enjoyed it, please forgive me!