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Giuseppe Verdi's career forms one of the loveliest arcs in musical history. The passion of his works resonates universally, while the sophistication of his middle and late operas satisfies demanding ears and tastes. In
Verdi: The Operas and Choral Works, Victor Lederer surveys every one of the master's 28 operas and his greatest choral pieces, showing Verdi's growth as a musical dramatist - he would revolutionize the hidebound conventions of 19th-century Italian opera - and his single-minded pursuit of dramatic truth.
After describing the chaotic milieu in which Verdi learned his craft, the book provides act-by-act analyses of the early masterpieces
Nabucco,
Ernani, and
Macbeth. The neglected operas from the composer's self-described "years in the galleys" are covered together. Lederer then takes readers through the magnificent sequence of Verdi operas from
Luisa Miller onward, including the fine but underrated
Stiffelio. Each of the late operas -
Don Carlo,
Aida, and
Otello and
Falstaff, the twin Shakespearean masterworks that crown Verdi's oeuvre - is discussed at length in its own chapter. Lederer also examines Verdi's monumental Requiem along with the choral
Quattro pezzi sacri, Verdi's sublime final achievement. The book comes with a Naxos CD of musical selections representing highlights from throughout Verdi's long, remarkable career.
About the author
Victor Lederer (New York, NY) is a writer on music and urban history. His books include
Beethoven's Chamber Music: A Listener's Guide,
Beethoven's Piano Music: A Listener's Guide,
Bach's Keyboard Music: A Listener's Guide,
Chopin: A Listener's Guide to the Master of the Piano, and
Debussy: The Quiet Revolutionary, all for Amadeus Press's Unlocking the Masters series.
Summary
Victor Lederer surveys every one of the master's 28 operas and his greatest choral pieces, showing Verdi's growth as a musical dramatist.
