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The nature and identity of the heroines in Giuseppi Verdi's middle period operas
Author
Grosse, Paul Jerome
Supervisor
Dairianathan, Eugene
Stead, Peter
Abstract
The operas of Verdi are filled with conflicts, rivalries in love and love, domestic and national politics. In focusing on the middle-period operas, this thesis explores the nature and identity of the heroines found within his works. In this particular period, the operas abound with many strong and interesting women. They exist as faithful or adulterous wives, dutiful or unfilial daughters or even the self-sacrificing lovers, who are willing to give up their lives for their paramours.
As it is impossible to try to glimpse into all the possible roles and varying identities of the heroines of Verdi's operas, it is imperative to limit the scope of the research. I will necessarily focus on the father-daughter or father-in-law/daughter relationships found within the middle period operas of Verdi. By concentrating on three operas, namely, Rigoletto, La Traviata and Aida, I will then show how Verdi creates female characters that draw forth the sympathy if not the empathy of the audience. By carefully choosing his librettists and then strictly monitoring the genesis of the libretti, he pours into his creations much emotive music that defines his heroines both emotionally and spiritually. Very often these passages are set to memorable melodies that are still sung by the man in the street. I will specially analyze the duets found within these works to show the complexities and dynamics of these relationships, thereby revealing the multifaceted nature and identity of the various heroines, namely Gilda in Rigoletto, Violetta in La Traviata and Aida in Aida.
These operas clearly put the heroines in a sympathetic light; this is rather unique as Verdi had to create these female personae in a largely patriarchal society. He is not the first composer to put on stage women of strong character, but Verdi is the first composer of the operatic firmament that consistently gives rise to ladies who are neither bound by the traditions nor the whims and fancies of mid-nineteenth century Italian society.
Verdi is a complex man as can be later seen in the thesis. In my research, I will show how his relationship with his own father is mirrored by the relationships of the heroines with their respective fathers. The heroines in these operas have to sacrifice their personal happiness and in a few cases, even their lives for the interests of their fathers. As much of the interaction between the protagonists is found in the numerous duets of the above-mentioned operas, the thesis will focus on these duets. This study aims to show both the emotional, musically range and depth of the heroines in Verdi's operas in these selected passages of music.
As it is impossible to try to glimpse into all the possible roles and varying identities of the heroines of Verdi's operas, it is imperative to limit the scope of the research. I will necessarily focus on the father-daughter or father-in-law/daughter relationships found within the middle period operas of Verdi. By concentrating on three operas, namely, Rigoletto, La Traviata and Aida, I will then show how Verdi creates female characters that draw forth the sympathy if not the empathy of the audience. By carefully choosing his librettists and then strictly monitoring the genesis of the libretti, he pours into his creations much emotive music that defines his heroines both emotionally and spiritually. Very often these passages are set to memorable melodies that are still sung by the man in the street. I will specially analyze the duets found within these works to show the complexities and dynamics of these relationships, thereby revealing the multifaceted nature and identity of the various heroines, namely Gilda in Rigoletto, Violetta in La Traviata and Aida in Aida.
These operas clearly put the heroines in a sympathetic light; this is rather unique as Verdi had to create these female personae in a largely patriarchal society. He is not the first composer to put on stage women of strong character, but Verdi is the first composer of the operatic firmament that consistently gives rise to ladies who are neither bound by the traditions nor the whims and fancies of mid-nineteenth century Italian society.
Verdi is a complex man as can be later seen in the thesis. In my research, I will show how his relationship with his own father is mirrored by the relationships of the heroines with their respective fathers. The heroines in these operas have to sacrifice their personal happiness and in a few cases, even their lives for the interests of their fathers. As much of the interaction between the protagonists is found in the numerous duets of the above-mentioned operas, the thesis will focus on these duets. This study aims to show both the emotional, musically range and depth of the heroines in Verdi's operas in these selected passages of music.
Date Issued
2007
Call Number
ML410.V4 Gro
Date Submitted
2007