The Politics and Art of Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto
by Wendy Neikirk
Throughout the majority of the 19th century, Italy was not a unified country. The Italian peninsula was a mass of various feuding kingdoms and states, many of which fell under Austrian and French occupation. During this time the separate regions joined together in a show of nationalism to establish themselves as a united country and rise up against these occupying forces. The message of this revolution or Risorgimento , which literally means ?rising up? in Italian, was often delivered to the people through the work of artists.
Opera was the popular art form of the time. As a result, it proved to be an effective means of bringing people together in the revolution. Giuseppe Verdi, one of the most popular composers of the 19th century, was an important voice of the Risorgimento. His mid-career masterpiece, Rigoletto (1851), with its unflattering portrayal of a ruler, contained particularly subversive themes. The opera has remained popular because of its powerful synthesis of heart-wrenching personal struggle and soaring, dramatic music.
In addition to Rigoletto, many of Verdi's other operas voice Risorgimento themes: the fight against tyrannical rulers, the development of an Italian national identity, and the cultivation of a social unity. In fact, the chorus ?Va, pensiero? from Verdi's opera Nabucco became an anthem for the revolutionaries, sweeping through the peninsula and offering the Italian people a nostalgic look at the past glories of their land and a glimpse of its nascent future.
Verdi's Rigoletto was inspired by Victor Hugo's play Le roi s'amuse , a particularly political dissident and dramatic piece. Hugo's work portrayed the frivolity and love affairs of the king, a direct parallel to King Louis-Phillipe, the ruler of France at the time of the 1832 premiere of Le roi s'amuse . As a result, the play was banned in Paris the day after its opening.
Like Hugo, Verdi also faced censorship. In his case, it came from many factions: the French, the Austrians, the Italians and the Pope. Opera was a prime target for censors because it drew large audiences and held a prominent place in society. The censors were displeased with Rigoletto on many accounts. The story depicted attempted regicide, rape, adultery, disrespect for religion, and criticism of royalty?all of which were considered shocking subject matters.
Verdi was permitted to continue work on the opera only because of his international reputation and the prominence of La Fenice, the world-renowned Venetian opera house that had commissioned Rigoletto. However, to appease the censors, Verdi was forced to change the character of the King to a Duke, and to alter the entire setting of the opera, the title and many characters' names. Even with these changes, Verdi managed to keep his portrayal of a foolish ruler ignobly abusing his power and influence.
Despite its challenging beginning, Rigoletto became a great success. The opera continues to be appreciated the world over, and has become an essential member of the operatic repertoire. Its long-lasting popularity is due in large part to its powerful melodies and dramatic orchestration. At its heart, Rigoletto offers a moving and complex story, juxtaposing good and evil; purity and promiscuity; pride and humility; and complacency and action.
