Rossini: L'italiana in Algeri - Act II | Horne, Montarsolo, Ahlstedt, Monk, Levine (MET 1986)

ACT II - Scene 1: A room in the palace
Haly and Zulma try to comfort Elvira with the thought that Mustafà's experiences with Isabella should make him a better husband, as they can see she will lead him a dance. Mustafà sends a message to Isabella that he will take coffee with her. Isabella is distressed at Lindoro's apparent unfaithfulness (since he was preparing to leave with Mustafà has Taddeo invested with the rank of Kaimakan, his role being to smooth the Bey's advances to Isabella. Taddeo, in fear of impalement, is obliged to accept this distasteful role.

Scene 2: A magnificent apartment
Isabella dresses in Turkish costume in preparation for taking coffee with the Bey. She reproves Elvira for being spineless and promises her a lesson on how to control her husband. Mustafà tells Taddeo that when he sneezes, it is a signal that he wishes to be left alone with Isabella, but when the time comes, Taddeo feigns deafness; and when coffee is served Isabella invites Elvira to join the party, to the fury of Mustafà.

Scene 3: A room in the palace
Haly reflects that the Bey, despite his experience, is likely to be outwitted by the shrewd Italian girl. Lindoro enlists the support of Taddeo in the escape plan and Taddeo reveals he is the lover, not the uncle of Isabella - to the amusement of Lindoro, who does not reveal his own identity. Lindoro tells Mustafà that Isabella has elected him to the rank of "Pappataci" (a complaisant husband/lover), whose duties are to eat, drink and sleep. Zulma and Haly look forward to the Bey's discomfiture.

Scene 4: A magnificent apartment
Isabella has had the Italian slaves dressed as Pappataci for Mustafà's investiture. She intends to free them all and exhorts them to be brave and look forward to returning to their homeland. Having made sure that the Bey's servants are given plenty of wine, she has a banquet prepared for Mustafà and instructs him that he must "see and not see, hear and not hear," and concentrate on eating and drinking. She tests him by talking affectionately to Lindoro and Taddeo assists by explaining to the Bey that he must not react -so successfully that when Lindoro and Isabella escape, and Taddeo realises that he too has been duped, he is unable to arouse Mustafà from his complacency. Taddeo swallows his pride and joins the escape.

Only the arrival of Elvira, Zulma and Haly with the news that the slaves are all leaving arouses Mustafà, by which time, his servants being drunk and incapable of pursuit, it is too late to do more than wave to the Italians as they leave. Mustafà decides to be content with his loving wife Elvira and begs her forgiveness.