Verdi's Shakespeare
Subtitle: men of the theater
By: Garry Wills
Publisher: Penguin Books
Published: 2012
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 225
ISBN-13: 9780143122227
Copyright date: 2011
Subjects: Literature; Theater; Adaptations; Opera; Criticism and interpretation; History and criticism; Influence; Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.); Knowledge; Art; Relations with actors; History
Description: Explores the writing and staging of Verdi's three triumphant Shakespearian operas: Macbeth, Othello, and Falstaff. An Italian composer who couldn't read a word of English but adored Shakespeare, Verdi devoted himself to operatic productions that authentically incorporated the playwright's texts. Wills focuses on the intense working relationships both Shakespeare and Verdi had with the performers and producers of their works.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Macbeth. Macbeth's first performers ; Diabolisms, old and new ; Psychological depth ; Lady; title: Otello. Rossini's Otello ; Boito ; Othello's and Otello's first performers ; Cosmic reach ; Cosmic ruin ; Between cultures; title: Falstaff. Musical Falstaffs ; Falstaff's first performers ; Inflation ; Deflation ; Levitation.