L'Italiana in Algeri

L'Italiana in Algeri is a comic opera by Gioacchino Rossini. The libretto was derived from a libretto previously set to music by Luigi Mosca, a composer now forgotten. It was first performed in Venice on May 22, 1813.

Legend has it Rossini composed the L'Italiana in Algeri at age 21 in just 17 or 18 days. It is considered to be the first of his comedies in his mature style. The plot is placed in a fictitious Sultanate, where the ruler is bored with his wife and seeks to find a European consort. Meanwhile, an Italian girl - Isabella - is looking for her disappeared lover - Lindoro - when she is shipwrecked and brought to the Sultan. He falls in love with her, but Isabella manages to escape. In the happy ending, Isabella and Lindoro are reunited and the sultan forgives the abandoned wife.

L'Italiana in Algeri is part of the standard operatic repertoire. There are a several recordings of it, and it is regularly performed.