Verdi
Rigaletto
Rigoletto,"Verdi","Rigoletto (1851) tells the tragic story of the jester Rigoletto, his innocent daughter Gilda, and the predatory Duke of Mantua. When the Duke seduces Gilda, Rigoletto seeks revenge, only for his plan to backfire catastrophically. Based on Victor Hugo’s play, the opera overcame censorship battles before premiering to immediate success. Its unforgettable arias—especially “La donna è mobile”—cemented its enduring popularity."
First Performance:
Rigoletto,"Verdi","Premiered 11 March 1851 at La Fenice, Venice. Despite censorship struggles, the premiere was a clear triumph, immediately recognised as one of Verdi’s most powerful and original works."
Historical setting:
Rigoletto,"Verdi","Created in 1851 under Austrian censorship in northern Italy, Rigoletto adapts Victor Hugo’s banned play. Its dark themes, moral corruption, and social critique reflect Verdi’s middle‑period push toward bold, politically charged drama during Italy’s Risorgimento."