Music #393 - Verdi - Nabucco

Giuseppe Verdi 

[dʒuˈzɛppe ˈverdi]  (1813 – 1901)

An Italian Romantic composer, mainly of opera:
• Verdi is considered with Richard Wagner the most influential composer of operas of the 19^th century, and dominated the Italian scene after Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini.

• Verdi developed his art from the influences of the three, through his use of French Grand Opéra forms in operas written for Paris, and, eventually, to the creation of his Shakespearian masterpieces, Otello and Falstaff. Throughout, his originality and fecundity remained unparalleled. 

Some of his themes have long since taken root in popular culture – such as 
- "La donna è mobile" from Rigoletto
- "The Drinking Song" from La traviata
- "Grand March" from Aida
- "The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves" from Nabucco

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Nabucco  

Nabucco follows the plight of the Jews as they are assaulted, conquered, and subsequently exiled from their homeland by the Babylonian King Nabucco.

 

(2h 10m)

Act 1

“Gli arredi festivi” (festive decorations)

The Israelites pray as the Babylonian army advances on their city ("Gli arredi festivi giù cadano infranti" / "Throw down and destroy all festive decorations").

Act 3

The best-known number from the opera is 'Va, pensiero' (the 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves')

 

(L) Italian lyrics         (R) English translation

• Then, Italy was colonized by the Austria Empire. Verdi composed this opera to project freedom for Italy.

• During its premiere, the resonated audience encored this chorus three times.

• After the performance, Italians paraded on the streets, holding torches, singing this chorus, and shouting "VIVA VERDI!"

• This chorus became an anthem for the Italian Risorgimento movement for unification. 

 

In January 1901, at Verdi's funeral procession, 300,000 Italians gathered along the streets of Milan, singing and humming this chorus. 

＝ ＝ ＝ ＝ ＝

Don Carlo

Source: Wikipedia