Pierre Joris wrote:
> happy b-day, Ken,
> & remember that Verdi's popularity was not only based on his musical
> genius
> but also on the chance encounter of his name's letters with a
> contemporary political desire:
> Victor Emmanuel Rey Di Italia,
Indeed. Even his name took on meanings. I am sure he knew it. The
crowds applauding wildly for Rigoletto, with its portrayal of a vile
Duke who was a poorly concealed representation of Francis I of France,
or Attila (with its aria and chorus about the fighting spirit of Italian
women) weren't always about the music at all...though the music is most
often fabulous, even when Verdi stole from himself:-).
Ken
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