The opera "Stiffelio" never became widely known

The opera "Stiffelio" never became widely known. On its appearance in 1850 it was mangled by the censors and consigned to oblivion. The story of a married Protestant pastor capable of forgiving his wife her infidelity provoked a stormy and hostile reaction in Catholic Italy.

Years later Verdi made an attempt to give "Stiffelio" a new life on the stage. The opera received a new title, "Aroldo"; the action was moved back seven centuries, the turns of the plot were altered, and the musical material was reworked. The premiere of this version took place in 1857, but it, too, failed to win the recognition hoped for.

The revival of the opera began only in the 1960s, and in our country it has never been staged. The production was first shown on the stage of the Novaya Opera, where it is now running successfully for a second season.

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The opera "Stiffelio" never became widely known

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