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Consuelo, the Gypsy Singer: Anzoleto

Consuelo made her first public appearance in the simple dress of a peasant girl, and her voice-filled with the fire of her soul--took the city. Every one was at her feet. Young suitors sought her hand and among them was Anzoleto. It was the romantic period in Venetian history, about 1650. Consuelo engaged herself to her fellow-pupil, but repulsed the others. Her genius had won admiration; her dignity and modesty had won respect. The Count Justinian not only engaged her for his theater, but fell in love with her and tried to win her from Anzoleto. She would not be led away and made it a part of her contract that her betrothed should also be engaged to sing. Her sweetness and fidelity the more deeply enslaved the count. Consuelo's rival, a singer named Corilla, was bitterly incensed by the action of the count. Anzoleto played on her jealousy and pretended to be her lover. Of this perfidy Consuelo knew nothing.

At the first public performance Consuelo achieved renewed success, but Anzoleto was almost overlooked.

Her teacher warned her not to marry Anzoleto, and to prove his case forced her to visit the home of Corilla. They found Anzoleto there and Consuelo was convinced of his perfidy. She repulsed Anzoleto, refused the love of the count, and fled to Vienna on the advice of Porpora.