Opera composer Verdi''s "Falstaff," an opera in three acts, was first performed on March 12, 1893, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, with the following cast of characters:
The libretto, which is mainly based upon "The Merry Wives of Windsor," also makes some contributions upon "Henry IV."
The first act opens with a scene at the Garter Inn, disclosing an interview between Falstaff and Dr. Cais, who is complaining of the ill treatment he has received from the fat knight (Falstaff) and his followers, but without obtaining any satisfaction.
After his departure, Falstaff seeks to induce Bardolph and Pistol to carry his love letters to Mistresses Ford and Page, but they refuse, upon the ground that their honor would be assailed, which gives occasion for the introduction of the monologue from "Henry IV."
The letters are finally entrusted to a page, and the remainder of the act is devoted to the plots of the women to play a trick on Falstaff.
In the second act, we see Falstaff at the tavern. As part of the trick arranged by the women, Quickly arrives to tell Falstaff that Mistress Ford will receive him that afternoon. As Quickly leaves, "Mister Fontana," who is really Mister Ford in disguise, arrives and offers Falstaff some gold coins in return for help in winning the love of Mistress Ford. Falstaff accepts, stating that he already is set to meet Mistress Ford.
In the meantime, Quickly tells the women about her mission. Nannetta tells the women that although she is promised to Dr. Cais, she really wants to marry Fenton.
Falstaff arrives to visit Mistress Ford, who is alone. She listens to his advances but keeps him at a safe distance. Quickly enters, saying that Mistress Page is coming. Mistress Page then announces Mister Ford''s arrival. Falstaff hides behind a screen.
Ford, Fenton, Dr. Cais, Bardolfo and Pistola come in to look for Falstaff but are unable to find him. When they depart, Falstaff jumps into a basket.
Meanwhile, Nannetta and Fenton start kissing behind the screen. When Ford returns, he hears them kissing and discovers them. The two escape, and Bardolfo reports that he saw Falstaff stumbling down the stairs. Everyone rushes to catch Falstaff.
When everyone departs, Nannetta returns with several servants. They empty the basket in which Falstaff is hiding into the Thames.
When act three begins, we see Falstaff, soaking wet, in front of the tavern lamenting his recent experiences. After drinking, he feels better. When Quickly arrives to arrange another meeting with Mistress Ford, Falstaff decides he will go that night to the royal park to meet her. In order to be recognized, he will dress as the Black Hunter.
As Falstaff and Quickly enter the tavern, the women gather in the square to make plans for their practical joke.
Ford decides that, in their disguises for the practical joke, Nannetta and Dr. Cais will be married. Quickly, however, overhears the plans for the nighttime marriage and rushes to warn Nannetta.
In the royal park, Falstaff, dressed as the Black Hunter, listens to the song of the fairies. Mistress Ford arrives and pretends to listen to his declarations of love. Suddenly, the jokesters, dressed as fairies, fall on Falstaff, hitting him and pushing and pinching him. Eventually, Ford comes forward and forgives Falstaff.
Next, everyone witnesses the two marriages. However, at the last minute and after blessing the couples, Ford realizes that Nannetta has actually married Fenton and that the bride of Doctor Cais is, in actuality, Bardolfo, who is dressed as the queen of the fairies.
"All the world is a joke," is the conclusion to this comedic opera.
Upton, George (1897). The Standard Operas: Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composersa Handbook. Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Company.