Giuseppe Verdi: Falstaff

by James A. Hepokoski

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521280167
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/10/1983
Series:	Cambridge Opera Handbooks
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.43(d)

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.