Giuseppe Verdi: Falstaff (Cambridge Opera Handbooks) [Paperback]

James A. Hepokoski (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cambridge Opera Handbooks | Publication Date: January 27, 1984

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.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

A guide to the history and construction of Verdi's last and possibly greatest opera. Examines Verdi's own guidelines for the opera's staging, singing and interpretation. Includes a summary of the current research about the opera, a bibliography, discography, and many illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 27, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521280168
• ISBN-13: 978-0521280167
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,104,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cambrudge Opera Handbooks, July 28, 2008

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Lorenzo da Ponte "orsopadre" (Glendale, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Giuseppe Verdi: Falstaff (Cambridge Opera Handbooks) (Paperback)

You can't beat the Cambridge Opera Handbooks as a source of background material for specific operas. They contain a nice balance of historical material regarding the opera's genesis, musical analysis and stage history with excellent illustrations. The main problem is that there are so many operas and so few of these handbooks. But each is a gem that offers much to the reader and recompenses time spent in perusing them with numerous benefits. I now have read about half a dozen and each time come away with a great deal of appreciation not only for the opera covered, but for the degree of scholarship of the contributors. On first look, they may sound dry, but there is so much in each as to hold one's interest. If you want an enjoyable way to learn about specific operas, this is the way to go. I only wish that we had them 61 years ago when I first started attending operas.