André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry was an important figure in the development of opéra comique – where the musical numbers are separated by spoken dialogue – and L’épreuve villageoise (‘The Village Trial’) was one of his greatest successes. It started life as Théodore et Paulin, an opera in three acts, which was staged at Versailles in March 1784. Following its lukewarm reception, composer and librettist cut out the main plot with its noble characters: what remained was a two-acter featuring a farmer’s daughter, her mother and two suitors. Performed in Paris the following June, it was taken up all over Europe.

The story is a simple one. Denise loves André but, irritated by his jealousy, she is determined to teach him a lesson. So she encourages La France who, having earlier paid court to her mother, is now actively pursuing Denise herself. When André tears up a love letter to Denise from his rival, Mme Hubert decrees that her daughter shall marry La France. André pretends to have found a new girlfriend, Denise recognises that she too is susceptible to jealousy, and the lovers are reconciled; La France leaves in a rage.

Grétry’s score ranges from simple strophic ‘couplets’ for Denise to extended ‘chain’ finales. The vocal lines are generally doubled in the orchestra, suggesting that the piece was designed for actors who could sing rather than vice versa. The most elaborate aria is La France’s ‘Adieu Marton, adieu Lisette, adieu Rosette’, an anticipation of Petruchio’s ‘Where is the life that once I led?’ in Kiss Me, Kate. The orchestra comprises woodwind and horns plus strings, with a prominent piccolo in the final Vaudeville. It is all delightfully done by Opera Lafayette, an American period ensemble which has also recorded operas by Monsigny and Philidor as well as Grétry’s Le Magnifique. The spoken dialogue is omitted but the complete libretto with translation is available online.