National opera company to stage Verdi's comedy

A scene from Act 2 of “Falstaff.” / Courtesy of KNO

Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi wrote “Falstaff” when he was 80 years old.

By Do Je-hae

A major theme in the world of classical music this year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, the iconic Italian opera composer. Some of his works, such as "La Traviata" or "Rigoletto" are indispensable in the opera repertoire.

This anniversary year has opera companies around the world featuring some of the composer’s lesser-known works. The Korea National Opera (KNO) is starting its 2013 season with "Falstaff," Verdi's final work before his death in January 1901.

“Verdi left behind 28 operas, and ‘Falstaff’ is one of the two comedies. Written in 1893, the work is a testament to what a brilliant composer he still was at age 80,” said Chun Hye-jin, a KNO public affairs officer.

"Falstaff" is in three acts, and is adapted from Shakespeare's play "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and scenes from "Henry IV." It was the third of Verdi's operas to be based on a Shakespearean play, following his previous works "Macbeth" and "Otello."

Although not performed as often as operas such as "Aida" (1871) or "Otello" (1887), “Falstaff” is still admired for its witty libretto and melodic orchestration.

The KNO held a rehearsal for the press Tuesday, showing some scenes from Act 2.

It will stage the full opera from March 21 through 24 at the opera house of the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong. Italian conductor Julian Kovatchev, artistic and music director of the Teatro del Giglio in Lucca, Italy, will conduct the Korean Symphony Orchestra for the performances.

Another major theme is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Richard Wagner, the German opera master.

The KNO will stage the Korean premiere of "Parsifal," the last of Wagner's work, in October.

"'Parsifal' is the biggest challenge for us this year. The production will show our artistic maturity,” KNO Executive Director Kim Eui-joon said.

The five-hour-long opera is in three acts, and is loosely based on Wolfram von Eschenbach's "Parzival," a 13th century epic poem about the Arthurian knight Parzival and his quest for the Holy Grail.

Other highlights for the KNO this year are Puccini's "La Boheme" and Bizet's "Carmen."

Tickets for "Falstaff" range from 10,000 won 150,000 won.

For more information, call (02) 586-5284 or visit https://www.nationalopera.org.