Giuseppe Verdi, Falstaff

by Hepokoski, James A.

• ISBN13: 9780521280167
• ISBN10: 0521280168
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1984-01-01
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

This book is a compact, up-to-date guide to the history and construction of Verdi's last - and possibly greatest - opera. Incorporating the findings of the most recent research, it provides performers, opera enthusiasts, students and scholars alike with a reliable summary of what is currently known about the work. The book gives a full synopsis of the plot and a detailed account both of Verdi's aims in composing the opera and of how he actually composed it: which portions were difficult for him, which he considered crucial, which were afterthoughts, etc. Special attention is given to separating the three versions of Falstaff that Verdi approved - versions that are still confused in almost all performances today. Professor Hepokoski also supplies extensive discussions of Boito's derivation of the plot and text from Shakespeare (and others); of the musical technique and structure of Falstaff; and of Verdi's own guidelines for interpretation, staging and singing. A guide to critical assessments of the opera illustrates the widely differing receptions the opera has had in the twentieth century, and a concluding essay by Graham Bradshaw discusses Shakespearean aspects of both Otello and Falstaff. The book contains a bibliography, a discography (by Malcolm Walker), illustrations of the original stage designs and costumes, and extensive musical examples.

Table of Contents

1. Synopsis

2. The forging of the libretto

3. The composition of the opera

4. Milan, Rome and Paris: three versions of Falstaff

5. Musical technique and structure

6. The interpretation of Falstaff: Verdi's guidelines

7. A brief stage history

8. A guide to critical assessments and interpretations

Epilogue Graham Bradshaw

Bibliography

Discography Malcolm Walker

Index.