Intermezzo I
The wealthy bachelor Umberto waits for his servant, Serpina, to bring him his morning chocolate. On seeing his other servant, Vespone, Umberto yells at him to find Serpina. While alone, Umberto explains how he has treated Serpina kindly in his service and now she thinks she is his master. Serpina enters angry with Vespone for having demanded that she come with him. When Umberto finally reminds her about his chocolate she replies that it is too late to have chocolate. Umberto then sings an aria about how he is always at odds with her. Following this Umberto decides to ask Vespone for his clothes so he can go out, to which Serpina responds that he must stay in because it is too late in the day. She then sings an aria telling him to be quiet and stay in the house. Following this display Umberto is convinced the only way to rid himself of her is to marry and commands Vespone to find him a wife. Serpina suggests he marry her. Umberto is shocked by this and, after telling her she is crazy, storms away.
Intermezzo II
Alone, Serpina details her plan to use Vespone to win Umberto. When Umberto arrives she apologizes for her impertinence and tells him she is leaving his service to marry an ill tempered soldier, Captain Tempesta, and to think on her fondly now and again. Umberto is shaken by this and conflicted between his feelings for her and her class. Serpina arrives with her soldier (Vespone in disguise) who demands, albeit silently, a 3,000 scuri dowery or that Umberto take Serpina instead. Not wishing to anger the soldier or loose money, Umberto acknowledges his feelings for Serpina and agrees to marry her. Upon realizing the scheme, his anger is calmed by Serpina who says that she is now 'padronna' or mistress of the household. The happy couple then celebrate.
The wealthy bachelor Umberto waits for his servant, Serpina, to bring him his morning chocolate. On seeing his other servant, Vespone, Umberto yells at him to find Serpina. While alone, Umberto explains how he has treated Serpina kindly in his service and now she thinks she is his master. Serpina enters angry with Vespone for having demanded that she come with him. When Umberto finally reminds her about his chocolate she replies that it is too late to have chocolate. Umberto then sings an aria about how he is always at odds with her. Following this Umberto decides to ask Vespone for his clothes so he can go out, to which Serpina responds that he must stay in because it is too late in the day. She then sings an aria telling him to be quiet and stay in the house. Following this display Umberto is convinced the only way to rid himself of her is to marry and commands Vespone to find him a wife. Serpina suggests he marry her. Umberto is shocked by this and, after telling her she is crazy, storms away.
Intermezzo II
Alone, Serpina details her plan to use Vespone to win Umberto. When Umberto arrives she apologizes for her impertinence and tells him she is leaving his service to marry an ill tempered soldier, Captain Tempesta, and to think on her fondly now and again. Umberto is shaken by this and conflicted between his feelings for her and her class. Serpina arrives with her soldier (Vespone in disguise) who demands, albeit silently, a 3,000 scuri dowery or that Umberto take Serpina instead. Not wishing to anger the soldier or loose money, Umberto acknowledges his feelings for Serpina and agrees to marry her. Upon realizing the scheme, his anger is calmed by Serpina who says that she is now 'padronna' or mistress of the household. The happy couple then celebrate.
