Verdi’s “Falstaff” was inspired by, and is a combination of, two of Shakespeare’s plays: “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “Henry IV.” It has very little in common with the rest of Verdi’s work; it was his first….and LAST….successful comedy, written when he was 80. It is also the last opera that Verdi produced. It is thought by many to be Verdi’s very best.

Arrigo Boito, librettist for “Otello,” was his collaborator. Verdi had long wanted to write a comic opera, and felt that his collaboration with Boito allowed him the chance . He is quoted as saying, “For 40 years, I have wanted to write a comic opera, and for 50 years I have known the ‘Merry Wives of Windsor.’ But the usual ‘buts’ stood in the way of fulfilling my desire; now at last Boito has settled all the ‘buts’ and given me a lyrical comedy libretto that is like no other. I amuse myself setting it to music. Falstaff is a rascal who does all sorts of villainous things, but always in a diverting way. There are many other types in the work, which is comic from first to last. Amen.”

“Falstaff” premiered in Milan in 1893, and was recognized as a masterpiece of comic opera from the very beginning. Although it is a bit difficult to produce, it is very nearly always a success. There usually occurs among the singers a certain joie de vivre due to the complicated vocal pieces which are successful only if the cast relies upon each other. The ‘consummate artistry and inspired genius’* of this piece make it one of the most enjoyable of operas for an audience to experience. Or at least, the audience who is able to get past the thinking of “this is so un-Verdi like!” The ‘beguiling melodic fragments and witty interplay of words and music’* make it pure joy.

This, one might insist, is Falstaff’s opera. However the handsome young Fenton has a fair amount of stage time, great comedic scenes into which to sink his acting chops, and some beautiful music, to boot. This is a wonderful role for a lyric tenor! It is one which most light lyric tenors should have under their belts early in their careers. There is enchanting love music, which Mr. Kearns will have the opportunity to sing in duet with a soprano playing Nannetta. They perform a rather well known duet often referred to as "The Kissing Duet." He will be performing a lovely aria in the third act "Dal Labbro Il Canto Estasiato Vola" (An Ecstatic Song Flies From My Lips), as well as great ensemble pieces.

Briefly: Sir John Falstaff is at a table in an inn with his cohorts: Bardolfo and Pistola. He is quarreling with Dr. Caius who accuses him of taking advantage of his hospitality. Falstaff decides that he needs a wealthy woman to support his needs.

He sends identical ‘courting’ letters to Alice Ford and Meg Page, who soon discover the rascal’s deceit. He SHALL be punished, they vow. They summon him to a ‘secret tryst’ with Alice, which has been set up to cause his fall! While he is hiding from Alice’s husband in the laundry basket, Fenton and his lover Nannetta are discovered behind a screen engaging in a rather hot session of necking: hence the ‘kissing duet!’

The servants then unceremoniously dump the laundry basket, including Sir John, into the Thames. Falstaff is washed ashore, glumly wondering over the bad luck he has encountered, absorbed in self pity!

He is again summoned to meet with Alice in Windsor Park. Dame Quickly tells him a story of ghosts careening about in Windsor Park at Midnight. Alice and her crew of helpers, which includes Fenton, decide to use this story to frighten Falstaff, while in costume!

Moonlight shows Fenton singing of love. He is a monk, Nannetta is queen of the fairies, there is a nymph and a witch to round things out. Falstaff is teased and tormented by all and eventually the tormentors unmask, after Nannetta and Fenton are blessed by Nannetta’s father, and Sir John and Ford pledge to forgive and forget.

This truly is Verdi at his best! An absolutely hilarious story including silliness, song, and a scarcity of seriousness.

*David Gregson, San Diego Magazine

Please click on the link to find a synopsis of Verdi’s “Falstaff.”

Verdi's Falstaff

Falstaff Review
Second Falstaff Review
Falstaff Second Night Review
Tuscany Index
Opera Index
HOME