San Carlo and the art of theatre in 700th-century Naples

In the heart of Naples, the Theater The Teatro di San Carlo is not just an architectural monument, but a symbol of the extraordinary cultural flourishing that the city experienced in the 18th century. Built in 1737 by order of Charles III of Bourbon, the Teatro di San Carlo is the oldest opera house in Europe, predating by decades the construction of other famous theaters such as La Scala in Milan and La Fenice in Venice. Its founding marked the beginning of a golden age for 18th-century Neapolitan theater, which became a benchmark for Italian opera and a center of musical and scenic innovation.

San Carlo: a symbol of power and magnificence

The project Teatro di San Carlo It was entrusted to the architect Giovanni Antonio Medrano, a Spanish brigadier colonel stationed in Naples, and to Angelo Carasale, former director of the Teatro San Bartolomeo, the city's main theater before the construction of the San Carlo. The theater's construction was completed in record time, with the main hall measuring 28,6 meters long and 22,5 meters wide, initially seating approximately 3.000 spectators across six tiers of boxes. The inauguration took place on November 4, 1737, the king's name day, with a performance of the opera "Achille in Sciro" by Domenico Sarro, with a libretto by Pietro Metastasio. The presence of the king and court at the premiere underscored the event's political and cultural importance.

The Teatro di San Carlo quickly became the beating heart of Neapolitan cultural life, hosting the works of the greatest composers of the time and attracting artists from across Europe. Its architecture, inspired by the Italian-style theater, influenced the design of numerous theaters across Europe, cementing Naples' reputation as an 18th-century cultural capital.

18th-century Neapolitan theatre: musical and scenographic innovation

In the eighteenth century, Naples was a hub for music and theater.

The Neapolitan School of Music, active in the city's four conservatories, was a fertile ground for the training of musical talents. Artists such as Leonardo LeoAlessandro Scarlatti and Leonardo Vinci were among the pioneers of this tradition, which continued to flourish throughout the century. The San Carlo became the venue for these new works, consolidating its prominent position in the European musical landscape.

In addition to the music, the set design also underwent significant innovations. The use of advanced theatrical machinery allowed for rapid and spectacular scene changes, while lighting and special effects helped create evocative atmospheres, enriching the audience's visual and emotional experience.

The cultural legacy of San Carlo in the eighteenth century

The Teatro di San Carlo was not only a venue for performances, but also a center for cultural dissemination. Its theatrical seasons attracted audiences from all over Europe, contributing to the circulation of musical ideas and styles. Foreign composers such as Christoph Willibald Gluck and Johann Christian Bach performed at the San Carlo, bringing international influences to the Neapolitan musical scene.

The presence of great voices, such as those of the castrati Giovanni Carestini and Gaetano Majorano (known as Caffarelli), further enriched the quality of the performances. These artists not only performed the operas, but were also protagonists in their evolution, helping to define the style and vocal technique of the era.