Description
Book SynopsisRigoletto was first produced at the Teatro La Fenice, Venice, in 1851, and is generally seen as marking the beginning of Giuseppe Verdi's extraordinary middle period. It was followed in quick succession by Il trovatore and La traviata, and even after the great success of these two works Verdi regarded it as his best opera' up to that time. Based on Victor Hugo's play Le Roi s'amuse, which was banned after its premiere in Paris in 1832, the opera faced considerable difficulties with local censors before performance was permitted. In the story of the hunchbacked court jester and his beloved daughter, Verdi believed he had found the greatest subject and perhaps the greatest drama of modern times.The guide contains articles on the place of Rigoletto in Verdi's oeuvre and the background to its composition, a detailed examination of its musical structure and a survey of its performance history including discussions of some of its most distinguished interpreters. A further article highlights
Trade ReviewBrilliantly produced and superb value.' * Sunday Times *
All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought.' * Daily Telegraph *
Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series.' * TLS *
Table of ContentsList of illustrations Introduction by Jonathan Keates Musical Commentary by Roger Parker The Timelessness of 'Rigoletto' by Peter Nichols Thematic Guide 'Rigoletto' Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave after Victor Hugo's 'Le roi s'amuse' English translation by James Fenton Act One Act Two Act Three Discography by David Nice Bibliography
