Madrid 1744: Calzabigi, Leo e i festeggiamenti per le nozze dell’Infanta di Spagna con il Delfino di Francia

Abstract

Sumptuous ceremonies were organized in Madrid in December 1744 to celebrate the marriage of the Infanta of Spain Maria Teresa, daughter of Philippe v and Isabella Farnese, with the Dauphin of France Louis, son of Louis xv and Maria Leszczyńska. Their union was of great political importance, as it reinforced the alliance between the two Bourbon kingdoms during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748). Refined musical works were specially composed to solemnize the event: Corselli’s "Achille in Sciro" and Astorga’s "Le deità superate" were offered by the court at the Buen Retiro palace; moreover, two different allegorical serenatas, one by Mele and the other by Leo, were commissioned by the ambassadors of France and Naples respectively. After reconstructing the calendar of performances, the article demonstrates that the text set to music by Leo is nothing less than the first libretto written by Calzabigi, which was considered lost till now. The analysis of the autograph score provides information about the working method adopted by Leo. The comparison with the libretto printed in Madrid reveals that some changes and cuts to the materials sent from Naples were made in Spain. The critical edition of Calzabigi’s libretto is given in an appendix.