Gioachino Rossini's celebrated operatic comedy L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) follows a Turkish Bey Mustafà who is on the hunt for an Italian woman. He schemes to rid himself of his wife by marrying her off to one of his slaves and acquiring the object of his desire, Isabella. Isabella, however, is no fool. She cunningly and cleverly pulls one over on Mustafà, managing to escape his predatory clutches, return to Italy, and teach him lesson. This opera is noted for its masterful mix of energetic comedy with sustained and complex melodies, reflecting the piece's stylistic meshing of serious and comic style. It is a treasured reflection of Rossini's talent as a composer, premiering in 1813 and lasting through the generations.
