L'ajo nell'imbarazzo

The Plot

Act 1
"L'ajo nell'imbarazzo" (The Tutor in a Jam) is a two-act comic opera by Gaetano Donizetti. The story takes place in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Don Annibale Pistacchio, a wealthy nobleman, is in love with Costanza, the daughter of a poor family. To win her hand in marriage, he disguises himself as a tutor and enters their household. However, he soon realizes that he has to deal with several obstacles, including a rival suitor and a jealous servant.

Act 2
Don Annibale, disguised as the tutor Lelio, tries to win over Costanza by teaching her music and poetry. However, she is more interested in her true love, the young officer Ernesto. Meanwhile, Don Annibale's servant, Calandrino, tries to sabotage his master's plan by revealing his true identity to Costanza's father. However, Calandrino's plan backfires when he is caught in his own lies and ends up being punished by Don Annibale.