Composer

:

Giuseppe Verdi

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1859

Average_duration

:

121:06

Movement_count

:

51

Movement ....

Un ballo in maschera is an opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi in 1859. The plot is based on the assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden in 1792. The story revolves around the love triangle between the king, his best friend and advisor, Count Anckarström, and Amelia, the wife of Anckarström. The opera is set in Stockholm, Sweden, during the 18th century. The first act takes place in the king's palace, where he is preparing for a masked ball. The second act takes place in Amelia's house, where the king and Amelia confess their love for each other. The third act takes place in the king's palace again, where Anckarström discovers the affair between the king and his wife and plots his revenge. The final act takes place at the masked ball, where Anckarström shoots the king, but not before the king forgives him and blesses his marriage to Amelia. Un ballo in maschera premiered on February 17, 1859, at the Teatro Apollo in Rome. The opera was initially intended to be performed in Naples, but due to censorship issues, Verdi had to change the setting from Sweden to Boston and change the names of the characters. However, the opera was eventually allowed to be performed in its original form. The movements of Un ballo in maschera are divided into four acts, each with multiple scenes. The first act includes the famous aria "La rivedrà nell'estasi" sung by the king. The second act includes the duet "Teco io sto" sung by the king and Amelia. The third act includes the aria "Eri tu" sung by Anckarström. The final act includes the ensemble "Ma se m'è forza perderti" sung by the three main characters. Un ballo in maschera is known for its dramatic and emotional music, as well as its complex characters and plot. The opera explores themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, and features some of Verdi's most memorable melodies. The opera has been performed and recorded numerous times and remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire.

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