Type: Book

Falstaff (1893), Verdi's last great work, premiered in the composer's 80th year. This reproduction of the complete, unabridged score brings the final proof of the maestro's universality to the many students, musicians and opera lovers who would see for them-selves the summation of Verdi's brilliant orchestral and compositional powers. Ricordi was Verdi's original publisher; his edition reprinted here contains the standard, definitive score. The original frontmatter (characters, contents, instruments) has been translated from the Italian especially for this edition.

Falstaff benefits from Verdi's understanding of Wagner and other operatic innovators; still, in its concise, discreet but forceful orchestration and copious melodic invention it is singularly Verdian; its wit will astonish as much today as it did in 1893.

Falstaff is now accessible to serious students in this convenient, durable, inexpensive volume. It will repay their closest study.

Unabridged (1980) reproduction of the original edition as published by G. Ricordi & Co., Milano, 1893. Translation of Italian frontmatter made for this edition. 480pp. 8¼ x 11. Paperbound.

ISBN 0-486-24017