La colombe

The opera takes place in Florence. Mazet, the servant of Horace, a young Florentine noble who has lost his fortune, sings couplets in praise of his master's dove (romance: Apaisez blanche colombe, "Soothe the white dove"). Maître Jean, the majordomo of Countess Sylvie, arrives to buy the bird for her, as she is jealous of her rival Aminte, who seduces her lovers with a trained parrot. Mazet explains that the dove cannot be used as a messenger, but that he will try to convince his master to sell it. Despite the poverty in which he lives – and to Maître Jean's surprise – Horace does not want to give up his favourite bird (romance and trio: Qu'il garde son argent, "Let him keep his money"). Maître Jean learns, however, that Horace is in love with Sylvie. He suggests to Sylvie that she try to buy the dove herself; she hesitates but finally agrees. Sylvie is confident that the power of love will lead Horace to let her have the bird (aria: Je veux interroger ce jeune homme, "I want to question this young man"). Sylvie's arrival causes Horace the greatest happiness. She announces that she will stay for dinner (quartet: O douce joie, "Oh, sweet joy"). Maître Jean has volunteered to prepare the meal and sings about the culinary arts (aria: Le grand art de cuisine, "The great art of cooking"). Mazet returns from the market empty-handed, because the suppliers refuse to give Horace credit. After a long discussion with Maître Jean about the best way to serve different dishes, all of which…

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