Get ready for Verdi’s last opera, and one of the great comic masterpieces of the repertoire, full of wit, energy and humanity. This Saturday, LA Opera, one of the largest stages in the United States invites you to enjoy “Falstaff” and its remarkably sophisticated music, which makes the comedy almost cinematic.
The opera follows Sir John Falstaff, an aging, boastful and rather ridiculous knight, who decides to seduce two wealthy married women, Alice Ford and Meg Page, hoping to gain access to their money. The women discover his plan and decide to turn the tables on him, while Alice's husband Ford becomes increasingly jealous. Through a series of elaborate tricks, disguises and misunderstandings, everyone eventually gets what they want. The opera ends with one of Verdi's great messages: everyone is ridiculous, so let's laugh together.
The cast is led by bass-baritone Craig Colclough, portraying a charismatic and comic Falstaff, with a larger-than-life personality. Soprano Nicole Heaston brings intelligence and mischievous energy to Alice Ford, a woman who is very much in control of the plot.
Falstaff is particularly dependent on the conductor because Verdi's comedy is built into the orchestral rhythm. James Conlon, with his long experience in the Italian repertoire, is well suited to keeping the music light, quick and theatrical without losing its richness.
Enjoy James Conlon conducting one of his personal favorites, Verdi's utterly delightful comic masterpiece. Tune in to WHRO-FM 90.3, or listen online via our Media Player, this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
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