Verdi: Falstaff

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Cat No: 8555846

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Release Date: 04 January 2002

Label: Naxos - Nxc / Naxos Classics

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 747313584628

Genres: Classical

Composer/Series: VERDI

Description
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)Falstaff (Highlights) In the nineteenth century the plays of Shakespeare exercised renewed fascination over the romantic imagination. This was reflected in the theatre, in translations, in art and in music. Earlier Shakespearian subjects had been suggested to Verdi, but it was in 1847 that he completed his very successful Macbeth, a strong subject in its drama and equally attractive in the exoticism of its Scottish setting. It was not, however, until 1879 that he was persuaded to undertake a second Shakespearian opera, based on Othello, with a libretto by Arrigo Boito. This had its first performance at La Scala in 1887 and was to be followed by one more opera, this time on a comic subject. Boito by 1889 had aroused Verdi’s interest and enthusiasm for his treatment of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor. The score of Falstaff was completed in December 1892 and the opera given its first performance at La Scala in Verdi’s eightieth year, 1893.SynopsisAct I Part 11 In The Garter Inn Falstaff is sitting at a table, with its remains of a meal, bottles and tankard, and writing materials. He is busy sealing two letters. Dr Caius bursts in, with complaints against Falstaff, who pays him no attention, instead calling out to the landlord for another bottle of sack. Caius continues with his accusations: Falstaff has worn out his horse, violated his house; he will have justice and appeal to the Royal Council. Falstaff is unmoved, but Caius continues, now calling for Bardolph, whom he accuses of making him drunk. Bardolph agrees and could himself do with a prescription from the doctor for his sufferings and for his red, shining nose. Caius accuses him of deliberately making him drunk and then picking his pockets. Bardolph denies it, and Falstaff calls for Pistol. Caius at once accuses him of stealing money. Pistol and Caius shout abuse at each other, but Bardolph settles matters by claiming that Caius has dreamed the whole thing under the table. Falstaff delivers judgement: the facts are denied, go in peace. Caius leaves, swearing he will only drink again with honest, sober people, and to this Bardolph and Pistol provide a contrapuntal Amen. Falstaff silences them and tells them to have more discretion in their stealing. He looks at the mounting inn bill, making the two men turn out their pockets, since they are costing him a fortune in drink. Falstaff continues to inveigh against his followers. Bardolph’s glowing nose saves them oil, as they go from inn to inn, but makes up for that in the wine consumed, over the last thirty years. He calls for another bottle; if Falstaff grows thin, he will be nothing. Bardolph and Pistol praise immense, enormous Falstaff.2 Falstaff has written letters to Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, proposing love to each, and now tells Pistol and Bardolph to deliver them, but they refuse, on grounds of honour. Angrily he calls for his page, who scurries out with the two letter
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