Premiere of Verdi's Oberto at La Scala

Background. Verdi sought assistance from Massini to stage his opera in Milan in 1837. The La Scala impresario, Bartolomeo Merelli, agreed to produce Oberto in November 1839. The libretto was rewritten by Temistocle Solera, based on an existing libretto by Antonio Piazza, probably called Rocester. Scholars disagree about whether Rocester actually became the basis for Oberto when Verdi returned to Milan in February 1839 after fulfilling his contract in Busseto.

Premiere. The opera was first performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, on 17 November 1839. The production enjoyed a fair success. Following the premiere, Oberto received thirteen additional performances. The event established Verdi's reputation, with Merelli commissioning two further operas from the young composer.

Reception. The La Scala production enjoyed a fair success. The opera was later staged in Turin and Milan in 1840, Naples and Genoa in 1841, and Barcelona in 1842. These later stagings, supported by la Marini from 1840 to 1843, allowed Verdi to make additions and changes to the score, including for the role of Cuniza in the 1840 revival.