Il convitato di pietra (Pacini)

Il convitato di pietra (Pacini) is an opera buffa in two acts by Giovanni Pacini. The libretto was written by Gaetano Rossi. It is based on Molière's play Dom Juan ou Le festin de pierre (Don Juan, or The Stone Feast), which itself derives from earlier versions of the Don Juan legend.

The opera premiered at the Teatro Sant'Angelo in Venice on 11 February 1832.

Il convitato di pietra translates to "The Stone Guest," referring to the statue of the Commendatore, whom Don Giovanni (the Don Juan character) kills in the opera. The statue later comes to life and drags Don Giovanni to hell as punishment for his sins. The opera explores themes of morality, social class, and divine retribution, all within a comic framework. Pacini's musical style blends elements of bel canto with comedic flair, typical of opera buffa. Though not as widely performed as Mozart's Don Giovanni, Pacini's version represents a notable interpretation of the Don Juan story within the Italian operatic tradition. The work contributes to the diverse operatic landscape of the 19th century, offering a distinct musical and dramatic perspective on a timeless myth.