Rigoletto: What makes it such a powerful opera? (The Royal Opera)

Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera, explores the music from Verdi's Rigoletto and answers the question: what makes it such a powerful opera?
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[@nathansells3772]

For me it doesn't get better than Rigoletto! It's one of the few "perfect" operas in my opinion in the sense that there's not a dull moment. every single melody and theme is so stunning, and I love that you can hear that it's got a foot in bel canto and a foot in verismo. Before I stopped music school (too much pressure and bad for my mental health) I got to sing the duet si vendetta as well as the quartet which was probably the greatest musical experience I've had, and we never even performed the quartet - not that my 20 year old voice would have done the part justice. I never really "got" Verdi until I became obsessed with this opera, and how Verdi uses so many subtle counter melodies and sound painting, as well as the non traditional arranging as Antonio stated, that adds so much complex emotion into the music. I kinda hate long bloviating comments like this, but this opera and the character of Rigoletto in particular mean so much to me I just needed to try and put it into words.

[@porcelita]

Bravo, Maestro!!! I could listen to you for hours, so much passionate and multitalented artist you are!!

[@HS2103]

I came to see it in Covent Garden last Tuesday, it was honestly the finest opera I have ever seen, utterly sublime and so well staged!

[@rosarybennett]

What an amazing storyteller! 👏🏼

[@classicaldame4372]

Rigoletto is one of my favorite operas...Thank you for your insightful comments!

[@theodora.rouseva]

Amazing Maestro!

[@ljubomir.milanovic]

🔥

[@aliyaqmaie7307]

♥️

[@gualtiermalde645]

Il primo Verdi è sacro

[@SandViolet]

Concordo, Caro Nome.