Act 1
Set in eighteenth century Naples, two young soldiers, Ferrando and Guglielmo are discussing the fidelity of women with their older friend and philosopher Don Alfonso. Don Alfonso claims that all women are fickle while Ferrando and Guglielmo claim that the two sisters, Fiodilligi (for Guglielmo) and Dorabella (for Ferrando) with whom they are in love, will never be unfaithful. Don Alfonso proposes a bet that the women will not stay faithful and tells the men to pretend they have received orders to go to war before returning in disguise to attempt to woo the other’s partner.
Fiordiligi and Dorabella are singing the praises of their lovers, when Don Alfonso enters and tells them of the fake military order. The young men arrive to bid an emotional farewell to their sweethearts. The ladies find Despina (their maid) to tell her of the horrible news but she advises them to amuse themselves while their lovers are away which Fiordiligi and Dorabella reject immediately. Don Alfonso enters and is concerned that the cunning Despina may recognise the men in disguise and decides to bribe her; paying her so she ensures that the two ladies get together with the two ‘new’ suitors. Guglielmo and Ferrando enter the house, disguised as Albanians. The sisters are shocked to find them, even more so when the two attempt to court them. Don Alfonso pretends they are old friends of his and pleads their cause but Fiordiligi firmly proclaims her fidelity to her absent lover.
The sisters are lamenting the departure of their lovers, when the two Albanians suddenly rush in. Due to their ‘aching hearts’ they melodramatically swallow what appears to be poison and collapse. Despina and Don Alfonso go in search of a doctor, leaving the sisters to watch over the apparently dying men. The doctor, Despina in disguise, pretends to extract the poison and as they ‘recover’ the men once more proclaim their love for Fiordiligi and Dorabella and are rejected again.
Fiordiligi and Dorabella are singing the praises of their lovers, when Don Alfonso enters and tells them of the fake military order. The young men arrive to bid an emotional farewell to their sweethearts. The ladies find Despina (their maid) to tell her of the horrible news but she advises them to amuse themselves while their lovers are away which Fiordiligi and Dorabella reject immediately. Don Alfonso enters and is concerned that the cunning Despina may recognise the men in disguise and decides to bribe her; paying her so she ensures that the two ladies get together with the two ‘new’ suitors. Guglielmo and Ferrando enter the house, disguised as Albanians. The sisters are shocked to find them, even more so when the two attempt to court them. Don Alfonso pretends they are old friends of his and pleads their cause but Fiordiligi firmly proclaims her fidelity to her absent lover.
The sisters are lamenting the departure of their lovers, when the two Albanians suddenly rush in. Due to their ‘aching hearts’ they melodramatically swallow what appears to be poison and collapse. Despina and Don Alfonso go in search of a doctor, leaving the sisters to watch over the apparently dying men. The doctor, Despina in disguise, pretends to extract the poison and as they ‘recover’ the men once more proclaim their love for Fiordiligi and Dorabella and are rejected again.
Act 2
After listening to Despina, the sisters decide there would be no harm in a little innocent flirtation. Both ladies unknowingly pick the other’s lover. The Albanian visitors have arranged a serenade for the two sisters; Fiordiligi goes off for a stroll with Ferrando while the disguised Guglielmo courts Dorabella. To Guglielmo’s astonishment, Dorabella yields and exchanges a locket with him. They leave together as Ferrando returns with Fiordiligi, who remains true to Guglielmo. The two young men then meet to exchange news of their progress. Ferrando is overcome with grief when Guglielmo shows him Dorabella’s locket. While Don Alfonso and Guglielmo conceal themselves, Ferrando, in his desperation, makes another attempt at Fiordiligi. Much to Guglielmo’s distress, she finally yields. Don Alfonso has won the bet and tries to console the two chastened young men with the moral that women always act in this manner.
A wedding ceremony is set up for the two new ‘couples’ and both ladies sign the marriage contract when a drumroll is heard in the distance, announcing the supposed return of the officers. In simulated panic the Albanians and the notary (again Despina in disguise) hide. A moment later Ferrando and Guglielmo appear in uniform. They pretend to be puzzled by the awkward reception they receive until they discover the marriage contract. With drawn swords they rush out in pursuit of their rivals, only to return immediately with the disguises in their hands. All characters are in despair and rage but Don Alfonso claims that while he did deceive the women and cause pain, everyone has learnt their lesson and should forgive and forget.
A wedding ceremony is set up for the two new ‘couples’ and both ladies sign the marriage contract when a drumroll is heard in the distance, announcing the supposed return of the officers. In simulated panic the Albanians and the notary (again Despina in disguise) hide. A moment later Ferrando and Guglielmo appear in uniform. They pretend to be puzzled by the awkward reception they receive until they discover the marriage contract. With drawn swords they rush out in pursuit of their rivals, only to return immediately with the disguises in their hands. All characters are in despair and rage but Don Alfonso claims that while he did deceive the women and cause pain, everyone has learnt their lesson and should forgive and forget.