Classy scene for connoisseurs or snobby meeting point? : considerations upon the repertoire and functions of the Thun Theatre in Prague during the years 1781-1784

The history of the Italian opera in Prague in 1780s is linked with the name of Pasquale Bondini. Although an impresario of famous Mozartian performances, the details concerning his enterprise and repertoire are often neglected or unknown. Starting in autumn 1781, he succeeded against concurrence and converted the Thun Theatre in public venue of many functions: a scene for connoisseurs, opera and music funs, as well as a meeting point of high society, or political rivals. The repertoire, although dominated by popular opera buffa composers as Anfossi or Cimarosa, reveals a distinct dramaturgical policy, which points toward Bondini's previous experience in Dresden. Through choosing concrete operas and its adaptations a relatively original mixture of titles and genres (comic, serious, mixed) was set up, which helped to attract various audiences and maintain high level of performances.