Georg Philipp Telemann’s Pimpinone was first performed exactly 300 years ago, on September 27, 1725, in Hamburg. Originally conceived as an interlude for Handel’s opera seria Tamerlano, this three-part intermezzo soon gained independence and quickly became popular with audiences. Regarded as a forerunner of opera buffa, the piece is set to a libretto by Johann Philipp Praetorius. At the center of the story is Vespetta, a cunning and charismatic maid, and Pimpinone, an aging and somewhat clumsy merchant. Vespetta enters the household as a servant, gains power through marriage and eventually takes full control of her husband by manipulating him with his own tools. The work offers a satirical portrayal of social and gender roles, particularly addressing the institution of patriarchal marriage and the concept of social mobility. Musically, Telemann masterfully blends Italian and German stylistic elements: the recitatives are lively, while the duets and arias are humorous and full of character. His music precisely reflects the emotional states of the characters and the mood of each scene, often heightening the comedy through exaggerated musical gestures.
The themes of power dynamics, social ascent and gender roles remain relevant today, making Pimpinone more than just a light-hearted interlude – it is also a sharp social commentary that reveals the complexity of human relationships with humor and musical ingenuity. Thanks to its small cast, historically informed performance style, and music that is both light and sophisticated, the piece continues to offer a fresh and captivating experience for both professional audiences with a deep appreciation for music and the broader public alike.

Between the acts of the intermezzo, movements from the Ouverture Suite in B-flat major (TWV 55:B1) will be performed.

This production was staged by KúlArt Produkció.