Deaths on February 6

Carlo Goldoni, Italian-French playwright (b. 1707)

Carlo Goldoni: The Venetian Master of Italian Comedy

Carlo Osvaldo Goldoni (25 February 1707 – 6 February 1793) was an eminent Italian playwright and librettist, a transformative figure hailing from the Republic of Venice. Renowned as one of Italy's most celebrated and beloved dramatists, Goldoni's vast body of work profoundly reshaped Italian theatre, moving it from the improvised traditions of Commedia dell'arte towards a more structured and realistic form of comedy.

Audiences across generations have consistently admired Goldoni's plays for their ingenious blend of sharp wit and profound honesty. His theatrical creations served as vibrant mirrors for his contemporaries, vividly dramatizing the daily lives, evolving values, and inherent conflicts of the burgeoning middle classes. This keen observation of social realities, coupled with his masterful characterizations, allowed viewers to see authentic reflections of themselves and their society on stage.

The Theatrical Reformer: Wit, Honesty, and Realism

Goldoni's innovative approach marked a significant departure from the established theatrical norms of his era, particularly the Commedia dell'arte. While valuing the energy and popular appeal of Commedia, Goldoni sought to infuse Italian theatre with greater literary merit, moral depth, and realistic character development. He championed fully written scripts over improvisation, aiming for a more polished and coherent dramatic experience. His plays eschewed the often crude caricatures and predictable plotlines of earlier forms, instead presenting nuanced portrayals of human nature.

For instance, in plays like *La Locandiera* (The Mistress of the Inn), Goldoni delves into themes of social climbing, female agency, and the intricate dynamics of courtship. Another masterpiece, *Il Servitore di due padroni* (The Servant of Two Masters), though rooted in Commedia archetypes, showcases his brilliant dialogue and intricate plotting, making its characters feel genuinely human despite their comedic predicaments. This shift towards realism, which became a hallmark of his work, reflected the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and observation, often subtly critiquing societal norms and advocating for virtue and good sense.

Linguistic Richness: Venetian Dialect and Beyond

Although Goldoni wrote extensively in both standard Italian and later in French during his time in Paris, his plays are particularly distinguished by their rich and evocative use of the Venetian language. He masterfully integrated regional vernacular and colloquialisms, which imbued his characters with remarkable authenticity and depth. This linguistic choice not only grounded his plays in the specific cultural milieu of Venice but also added layers of humor and realism, making the characters more relatable and vibrant for local audiences. His command of dialect was instrumental in capturing the nuances of everyday speech and the distinct personalities of his Venetian characters.

The Arcadian Pen Name: Polisseno Fegeio

Beyond his well-known name, Carlo Goldoni also adopted the intriguing pen name and title Polisseno Fegeio, Pastor Arcade. As he recounted in his memoirs, this appellation was bestowed upon him by the "Arcadians of Rome." This refers to the prestigious Accademia dell'Arcadia, an influential literary academy founded in Rome in 1690. The Arcadians sought to reform Italian poetry, advocating for a return to classical simplicity, pastoral themes, and purity of style, as opposed to the perceived excesses of Baroque poetry. Membership in this academy, and the adoption of a pastoral pseudonym (like "Pastor Arcade"), was a mark of literary distinction and connection to a significant movement in 18th-century Italian letters, further underscoring Goldoni's literary aspirations and intellectual connections.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Goldoni's theatrical reforms and his vibrant comedies left an indelible mark on Italian and European theatre. His plays continue to be performed and cherished worldwide, celebrated for their timeless humor, astute social commentary, and enduring human appeal. He is rightly regarded as the father of modern Italian comedy, having paved the way for more realistic and character-driven drama that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carlo Goldoni

Who was Carlo Goldoni?

Carlo Goldoni was an influential Italian playwright and librettist from the Republic of Venice (1707-1793). He is celebrated for reforming Italian theatre by shifting it from improvised Commedia dell'arte to fully written, more realistic, and character-driven comedies.

What made Goldoni's plays unique?

Goldoni's plays were unique for their innovative mix of wit, honesty, and realism. They focused on dramatizing the lives, values, and conflicts of the emerging middle classes, offering audiences authentic reflections of themselves. He also made extensive use of the Venetian dialect, adding rich linguistic detail and authenticity to his characters.

What are some of Carlo Goldoni's most famous plays?

Among his most famous works are *La Locandiera* (The Mistress of the Inn), which explores social dynamics and female agency, and *Il Servitore di due padroni* (The Servant of Two Masters), a masterful comedy of errors featuring the iconic character of Truffaldino.

What was Goldoni's contribution to Italian theatre?

Goldoni's primary contribution was his comprehensive reform of Italian theatre. He advocated for and wrote complete scripts, moving away from the improvisation of Commedia dell'arte. He introduced realistic characters, developed more complex plots, and used the stage to explore contemporary social issues and morals, effectively modernizing Italian comedy.

Why did Goldoni use a pen name like "Polisseno Fegeio, Pastor Arcade"?

Goldoni used this pen name, "Polisseno Fegeio, Pastor Arcade," because it was bestowed upon him by the Accademia dell'Arcadia in Rome. This was a prestigious literary academy that promoted a return to classical simplicity and pastoral themes in Italian literature. Adopting such a pseudonym was a mark of honor and a connection to a significant intellectual movement of his time.