Gianni Schicchi

The action takes place in 1299 year in Florence.

Numerous relatives bewail untimely deceased Buoso Donati. The rumor, that the deceased has left all his riches to monks, disturb the sorrowful equilibrium.
Everybody rush to conduct a search of the testament in the house. The young Rinuccio had luck. He needs the testament to marry Lauretta, daughter of peasant Gianni Schicchi, regardless of relatives.
Unfortunately, the worst assumptions have confirmed. Having read the testament, all the family violently starts to criticize the deceased. Rinuccio offers to turn to Gianni Schicchi: known for his resourcefulness and mother wit, he will suggest how to evade the law. This offer gets angry objections: respectable townspeople won’t ask impertinent strange country bumpkin for help. But soon everybody admit that in such impasse it doesn’t worth to disdain a practical advice.
After short reflection Gianni Schicchi tells the relatives to put away the deceased and to hide sad entourage. They convince the doctor who has come to visit Buoso that the patient feels better and he fell asleep. Gianni falsify his voice as the voice of Buoso to make the doctor go out. The doctor leaves and Gianni reveals his plan: he will act dying Buoso and will dictate to the notary a new testament. Women willingly start to dress him, coquettishly whispering their wishes. It is not difficult to guess that everyone needs the house, the money and the vineyard.
Before starting this dangerous game Schicchi reminds the relatives of terrible punishment for all accomplices of the forgery – their hand will be cut off and they will be deported from Florence.
The notary comes with witnesses. Gianni with the voice of seriously sick man dictates a new testament: the wardrobe to the brother, the buffet to the cousin, the bed to Gerardo. All his fortune, money, a house in Florence and vineyards he bequeaths to…“the worthiest friend Gianni Schicchi!”
The relatives are indignant at the dealing of the cheater, but they can do nothing: the reminding of deportation from Florence infiltrates as a tiny brook, and in the face of the punishment everybody become quiet.
As soon as the notary leaves, the relatives attack the impudent impostor with fists. But Gianni – new owner of the house – angrily turns everybody out.
Only Rinuccio and Lauretta are indifferent to all that happens. Intoxicated with love they sit by the window in their new house and admire Florence. The money of Buoso were used for the best…