Labeled a “masterpiece”, Verdi’s Rigoletto explores the struggles of a cursed court jester who tries to protect his daughter, Gilda from the lustful Duke of Mantua. Tanisha explores the music and drama all wrapped into Verdi’s memorable sixteenth opera.

Rigoletto, opera in three acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave) that premiered at La Fenice opera house in Venice on March 11, 1851. Based closely on the controversial 1832 play Le Roi s’amuse (The King Amuses Himself; also performed in English as The King’s Fool) by Victor Hugo, Verdi’s opera was nearly kept off the stage by censors. READ MORE ON BRITTANICA

SETTING

As Sophia from the Golden Girls says “Picture it” Rigoletto is set in Mantua, Italy 16^th century

ACT 1: Scene 1: The Duke of Mantua’s palace.

           Scene 2: An alley outside Rigoletto’s house.

ACT 2: A drawing room in the Duke’s palace.

ACT 3: Outside Sparafucile’s house, by the river.

LEGENDARY CAST- WHO YOU WILL HEAR

Due to time constraint, this opera talk features a partial cast. If you loved the program, purchase from our affiliates or borrow the above DVD’s from your local library to see the full cast.

TANISHA’S PICKS

 This opera talk features Tanisha’s favorite casts from these recordings. Click the link to purchase them for your own collection.

OPERA-ALIKES

If you enjoyed Rigoletto, take a look at other opera talks including Rigoletto.