G. Verdi. Opera «Un ballo in maschera»

29/02 - 18:00

Duration: 2 30min

Giuseppe Verdi

«Un ballo in maschera»

opera in 3 acts

libretto by Antonio Somme,

based on text from Augustine Eugene Scribe

The opera «Un ballo in maschera», once by the famous Italian writer Gabriele d'Annunzio, was given a magnificent definition: «the most melodramatic of melodramas». In part, this definition was addressed to the work of the librettist - Antonio Somme, who surpassed all Verdi's previous librettists in boldness and vivid language. Sensuality, brilliance and humiliation, human frivolity and tragic stress - all this creates a real “physically tangible picture”.

In many ways, the opera is bright thanks to the excellent distribution of roles. All threads lead to Earl Richard: for as long as he is alive, others act, even to overwhelm him; when death overtakes him, everyone, both friends and enemies, is numb with grief. The count captivates the beautiful Amelia, favors a conspiracy, defies death on the field of executions. He puts a knife in the hand of his best friend and appoints a fateful ball, in which he takes part with an unshakable faith in himself. Richard is guilty and doomed. The cynicism of Don Giovanni could save him, but his essence is too pure.

The opera Ball Masquerade by Giuseppe Verdi marked a new round in the composer's work, becoming the undisputed masterpiece of the opera genre.