Il dottor Antonio (opera)

Il dottor Antonio is an opera in three acts by Lauro Rossi, with an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave. It premiered at the Teatro San Benedetto in Venice on 12 January 1855.

The opera is based on the novel Il dottor Antonio (1854) by Giovanni Ruffini, a popular work of Italian Risorgimento literature. The story revolves around the romance between Antonio, a doctor from the lower classes, and Enrichetta, a noblewoman confined to a wheelchair. The opera captures themes of social class, national identity, and romantic love that were prevalent in mid-19th century Italy.

Although not among the most frequently performed operas, Il dottor Antonio played a role in the development of Italian opera during its time and is considered a significant adaptation of Ruffini's celebrated novel.