A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Serva Padrona, La

SERVA PADRONA, LA—the maid turned mistress. An Italian intermezzo, or piece in 2 acts, containing 3 characters, one of whom is a mute. Words by Nelli, music by Pergolesi. Written and produced at Naples in 1731 or 1733, and in Paris first on October 4, 1746, at the Theatre Italien, where it had a long run, and again at the Académie on August 1, 1752. This was followed by an obstinate contest between the reformers, headed by Rousseau, and the conservative musicians—'Guerre des Lullistes et des Bouffonistes.' In 1754 a translation, 'La servante maitresse,' was brought out, and had a run of 150 consecutive nights. It was revived, Aug. 13, 1862, at the Opéra Comique, for the debut of Mme. Galli-Marie, and was given in London, at the 'Royalty,' March 7, 1873.—An imitation of Nelli's libretto, with the same title, was composed by Paisiello during his stay at St. Petersburg.

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