Giuseppe Verdi
Giuseppe Verdi was an Italian composer of the nineteenth century, among the most influential figures in opera.
His works—*Rigoletto*, *La Traviata*, *Aida*, *Otello*—remain staples of the operatic repertoire.
Verdi became a symbol of Italian unification; crowds chanted his name as a coded acronym for the hoped-for king.
They're staging Verdi at the Met this season.
Opera about enslaved Ethiopian princess
- RigolettoOpera about vengeful entertainer
- La TraviataOpera about fallen woman
- FalstaffComic knight, corpulent braggart
- MacbethAmbitious thane's downfall
Numerical standing in competition
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- ariaOperatic solo piece
- librettoOpera's written words
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
prelude · chorus · ensemble · recitative · leitmotif · finale · intermezzo · dramaturgy
Distinguished musical leader
- geniusPerson of rare brilliance
- influencePower to affect others
- masterpieceSupreme artistic achievement
- bel cantoElegant Italian vocal style
grand opera · innovation · tradition · repertoire · centenary · bicentenary
Lombardy's capital city
- La ScalaMilanese opera house
- ItalyBoot-shaped European nation
- PiedmontMountain-base territory
- unificationMerging into one entity
Aida
Opera about enslaved Ethiopian princess
- RigolettoOpera about vengeful entertainer
- La TraviataOpera about fallen woman
- FalstaffComic knight, corpulent braggart
score
Numerical standing in competition
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- ariaOperatic solo piece
- librettoOpera's written words
overture · prelude · chorus · ensemble · recitative · leitmotif · finale · intermezzo · dramaturgy
maestro
Distinguished musical leader
- geniusPerson of rare brilliance
- influencePower to affect others
- masterpieceSupreme artistic achievement
bel canto · grand opera · innovation · tradition · repertoire · centenary · bicentenary
Milan
Lombardy's capital city
tragedy
Disastrous or sorrowful event
emotion · catharsis · theatrical · melodrama · characterization · suffering · jealousy · revenge · sacrifice · betrayal
Giuseppe VerdiBeethoven
German classical music giant
Johannes Brahms · Mozart · Johann Sebastian Bach · Igor Stravinsky · Franz Liszt