The opera in four acts “I Lombardi alla prima crociata” (The Lombards on the First Crusade) was Giuseppe Verdi‘s fourth work, composed to a libretto by Temistocle Solera.
The plot is derived from an epic poem by Tommaso Grossi, but while obviously sympathizing with the Christian army, and particularly with the sufferings of the brave Milanese volunteers, the opera is by no means a one-sided affair. On the contrary, it depicts how destructively the clash between political factions and hostile cultures may affect people’s daily lives and how even a murderer is capable of reform into a saintly person. The ambitious subject matter is embodied in broad musical strokes and grandiose choral scenes of strong dramatic impact.
This version of “I Lombardi alla prima crociata” is a new production by the Fondazione Teatro La Fenice and the first Venetian performance in modern times. The four-act play is 150 minutes long.
Cast: conductor Sebastiano Rolli, chorus master Alfonso Caiani, director Valentino Villa, sets Massimo Checchetto, costumes Elena Cicorella, light designer Fabio Barettin, choreography movements Marco Angelilli, Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro La Fenice.
Roles: Arvino Antonio Corianò, Pagano Michele Pertusi, Viclinda Marianna Mappa, Giselda Roberta Mantegna, Pirro Mattia Denti, a prior of Milan Christian Collia, Acciano Adolfo Corrado, Oronte Antonio Poli, Sofia Barbara Massaro.
Website: www.teatrolafenice.it
Location: La Fenice Opera House, Venice
Schedule: April 1 – 9, 2022
