The stereotypical opera ends with one or more characters dying, but before these tragic endings there is often great jollity. Timothy Urban examines some of opera’s most intoxicating music.
Operas overflow with drinking songs. From the exhilarating Brindisi, “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici” in Verdi’s La Traviata, to the equally lively “Glüchlich ist, wer vergisst” in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, and Mascagni’s “Viva il vino” in Cavalleria Rusticana, some drinking songs are joyfully effervescent and innocent. Others, such as Iago’s cunning “Inaffia l’ugola” in Verdi’s Otello, and Don Giovanni’s “Finch’han dal vino” have hidden meanings. Of course, a unifying motivation behind all these songs is a beautiful woman (or sometimes several!).
So pour yourself a glass of your favorite drink and join us for a light-hearted romp through some of opera’s most intoxicating music.
Presented in partnership with The Princeton Festival
This event will be held via Zoom. Please register at this link.
