Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)

Departing from the Italian opera tradition, Giuseppe Verdi developed his own style. The voice remains the most important interpreter of emotion but his melodies are free, subtle and expressive, supported by the orchestra. Thus their interpretations can be more spontaneous than before. His choice of Shakespeare and Shakesperian subjects shows clearly that Verdi did not lean towards myths or moral stories, but towards the expression of a broader ranger of human feelings. Thus the emotional recognition is great and direct and is enforced by attractive, accessible melodies. 

In addition he became the symbol of Italian nationalism. He personified the search for an individual Italian identity in a time of political unrest and fragmentation.

Verdi was, as so many other well-known and loved composers, repeatedly portrayed. 

After the failed premier of the opera Giovanna d’Arco in 1845 in the Scala in Milan, Adeline Patti took up the role of Joan of Arc for the Paris production of the work in 1868 in the Théâtre des Italiens. After the Parisian premiere on 12 April 1868, the newspaper “L’Indépendance parisienne” published this drawing of Verdi and the soprano Patti dressed as Joan of Arc. In addition, a caricature of Verdi with a barrel organ, published in "Le Hanneton" in 1867.

 

Title pages of Don Carlo and Aïda, two of the many piano reductions of Verdi's operas we have in our library.

This small bronze plaque was made by the Polish medalist Franz Stiasny (1881-1941).

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