Verdi's I Lombardi alla prima crociata premieres at La Scala (1843)

Giuseppe Verdi's opera I Lombardi alla prima crociata premiered at La Scala in Milan on 11 February 1843. The work, a dramma lirico in four acts, was based on a libretto by Temistocle Solera and an epic poem by Tommaso Grossi. Its patriotic themes resonated with the unification movement, reflecting the political climate of Austrian Milan.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Verdi had established his reputation with Nabucco, which received a successful run at La Scala in 1842. This success led to a commission from Merelli for a new opera for the 1843 season. I Lombardi was based on an epic poem by Tommaso Grossi, described as a grand historical novel with a patriotic slant, suitable for the era's political sentiments.

Premiere. The opera was first performed at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan on 11 February 1843. The setting of Austrian Milan made subjects showing Italians united against a common enemy politically dangerous. Despite this, the work was staged, reflecting the spirit of the unification movement through its patriotic themes.

Reception. The chorus 'O Signor, dal tetto natio' in I Lombardi replicated the success of 'Va, pensiero' from Nabucco. The opera was subsequently presented in various Italian cities, including Lucca, Florence, Trieste, and Turin, during the 1843/44 carnival season, demonstrating its immediate popularity.

People involved

Sources

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