Stylistically, this work is close to Donizetti and Rossini. The ensembles use the well-tested techniques in use since Cimarosa’s Il Matrimonio Segreto (1792); solo arias (there are only two in this work, which favours ensembles) strictly follow the canons of the day.

Particular attention was given by Bizet to the orchestration. Two harps, a guitar and a mandolin complete a classical orchestra (with 4 horns) which, on two occasions, is tinged with the nostalgic hue of English horns. Don Procopio is at the same time a tribute to and a re-visitation of Rossini, Donizetti and all other Italian composers of opera buffa of the 1810-40s.