Falstaff in Full Score (Dover Opera Scores)

Falstaff in Full Score (Dover Opera Scores) by Verdi, Giuseppe. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780486240176.

The plays of Shakespeare inspired Verdis deepest resources. Macbeth (1847) was one of the composers earliest operatic-dramatic triumphs and Otello (1887) was among his latest. At the end of his life Verdi astonished a public accustomed to his tragic fervor with Falstaff, a gem of pure comedy. Verdis last great work premiered in the composer’s 80th year. This reproduction of the complete and unabridged score brings the final proof of the maestros universality to the many students, musicians, and opera lovers who would see for themselves the summation of Verdis brilliant orchestral and compositional powers. Ricordi was Verdis original publisher; this reprint of his edition contains the standard, definitive score and includes English translations of the original front matter. Falstaff benefits from Verdis understanding of Wagner and other operatic innovators. Nevertheless, between its concise but forceful orchestration and its copious melodic invention, it remains singularly Verdian. Its wit astonishes as much today as it did in 1893.