Libretti d'Opera
4 primary works
Book 1
English National Opera Guides are ideal companions to the opera. They provide stimulating introductory articles together with the complete text of each opera in English and the original. "Aida" is, for most of us, the quintessence of Ancient Egypt but it is certainly not just for archaeologists! Michael Rose points out that it is really about patriotism--an issue of burning importance to Verdi and his contemporaries. Music critic William Mann reflects that even a short look at the score reveals subtleties that repay careful listening. And Verdi's own letters show the germs of the opera grow from suggestion to creation.
Book 15
Book 41
"I due Foscari" enjoys pride of place among Verdi s early operas for its commanding music and striking use of recurring themes to identify the principal characters. Here, the young composer can be seen experimenting with new means of musical and dramatic expression.
This critical edition, based on Verdi s autograph score and autograph corrections in the first manuscript copy, offers the full score including powerful passages later excised by Roman censors and appendices containing sketches, fragments, rejected passages, and a substitute cabaletta for Jacopo s cavatina. With an introduction and detailed critical commentary, this edition provides performers, conductors, students, and scholars with a superior version of the colorful drama.
"
This critical edition, based on Verdi s autograph score and autograph corrections in the first manuscript copy, offers the full score including powerful passages later excised by Roman censors and appendices containing sketches, fragments, rejected passages, and a substitute cabaletta for Jacopo s cavatina. With an introduction and detailed critical commentary, this edition provides performers, conductors, students, and scholars with a superior version of the colorful drama.
"
Book 44
Simon Boccanegra: Melodramma in un Prologo e Tre Atti (Classic Reprint)
by Giuseppe Verdi
Published 1 February 1989
Verdi's Simon Boccanegra exists in two versions: that of the 1857 original and that of the 1881 revision. The texts of the libretto of both versions are included in this guide, with a number of essays which focus on the differences between the two. Rodolfo Celleti provides the story's historical context, setting the events of the real life of Simon Boccanegra against the unification of Italy, which formed the political backdrop to the composition of both versions of Verdi's opera. James A. Hepokoski gives a detailed synopsis of the 1881 score, and indicates the ways in which Verdi radically revised the original and reworked it to fit his late style. Lastly, Desmond Shawe-Taylor discusses Verdi's attitude to his singers, and the critical reception that performances of both versions of the opera received.
This edition contains over twenty illustrations, a thematic guide and the texts of the libretti in the original with literal translations. There is also a bibilography, discography and DVD guide, together with a list of websites that will allow the reader to explore the opera further.
Contents: An Historical Perspective, Rodolfo Celletti; An Introduction to the 1881 Score, James Hepokoski; Verdi and his Singers, Desmond Shawe-Taylor; Simon Boccanegra: Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave with additions by Giuseppe Montanelli and additions and alterations by Arrigo Boito; Simon Boccanegra: English translation by James Fenton
This edition contains over twenty illustrations, a thematic guide and the texts of the libretti in the original with literal translations. There is also a bibilography, discography and DVD guide, together with a list of websites that will allow the reader to explore the opera further.
Contents: An Historical Perspective, Rodolfo Celletti; An Introduction to the 1881 Score, James Hepokoski; Verdi and his Singers, Desmond Shawe-Taylor; Simon Boccanegra: Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave with additions by Giuseppe Montanelli and additions and alterations by Arrigo Boito; Simon Boccanegra: English translation by James Fenton