Verdi's I due Foscari premieres in Rome (1844)

Giuseppe Verdi's opera I due Foscari premiered in Rome on 3 November 1844. The work was generally successful, though less popular than Ernani. The libretto involved significant composer intervention, and the story had previously been rejected in Venice due to political sensitivities regarding the Foscari family.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The opera I due Foscari was considered as early as 1843 for La Fenice in Venice but was rejected because the story criticized the Republic of Venice, potentially offending the extant Foscari family. Verdi relied on librettist Piave for this work, which was completed over the summer before its Rome premiere.

Premiere. The premiere took place at the Teatro Argentina in Rome on 3 November 1844. The performance was generally quite successful, although it did not achieve the same level of popularity as Ernani, which remained Verdi's most popular opera until Il trovatore in 1853.

Reception. Verdi expressed indifference to the reception in April 1845, stating he was happy regardless of the outcome. The opera's success was noted as significant but secondary to Ernani. The libretto's structure was heavily influenced by Verdi's theatrical instincts.

People involved

Sources

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