SKU: HL.49041679

ISBN 9783254080233. Italian - German.

Having composed five operas in the 1850s, Verdi, while looking for a suitable libretto, came across a manuscript of Eugene Scribe which had already been the subject of works by other composers. Although the political aspect only played a minor role in the plot, the censor's office demanded that the locale be moved outside Europe. The world premiere in Rome on 17 February 1859 was a huge triumph for Verdi and 'Un Ballo in Maschera' with is brilliant arias and effective choral scenes.Kurt Pahlen juxtaposes the Italian text with the translation of the libretto frequently used at German theatres, adding information on the compositional structure and context to the musical as well as external and internal dramatic action of the opera. A short synopsis and a brief outline of the genesis bring the work into relation with the composer's entire oeuvre and life, thus offering a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction.

SKU: HL.4006125

UPC: 888680961510. 9.0x12.0x0.122 inches.

The overture to Giuseppe Verdi's 1862 opera La Forza del Destino (The Power of Fate) has remained standard repertoire for orchestras around the world. In this imaginative work for winds, Jay Bocook pays homage to the mastery of Verdi and begins with the ominous 3-note “fate” theme from the overture. Throughout the piece melodies are recast and harmonies are embellished, culminating in an exhilarating conclusion where the final seven bars quote Verdi's original almost identically. A brilliant addition to the wind band repertoire.