Vivaldi & Others: Vincenzo Bellini—the composer admired by both Verdi and Wagner
Bellini is poor, it is true, in his instrumentation and harmony! … But rich in feeling and in an entirely individual, personal melancholy! Even in
Bellini is poor, it is true, in his instrumentation and harmony! … But rich in feeling and in an entirely individual, personal melancholy! Even in
The passion is palpable, but there is a smallness to the sets that cools the fire in the characters’ souls.
Rigoletto has “all the characteristics of a perfect film noir”— seduction, murder, anonymous identities, spooky nocturnal settings, casual violence, unapologetic brutality, and, when done right, some dark humor.
In addition to being Verdi’s last work, Falstaff has also been widely considered his least characteristic composition. Its memorable scenes and lively characters have allowed it to hold the stage ever since its 1893 premiere.