Simon Boccanegra

At once a sombre historical drama and an engrossing portrait of a father-daughter relationship, Simon Boccanegra represents Verdi in his musically penetrating middle period. Adapting a play by Antonio García Gutiérrez, Verdi reunited with librettist Francesco Maria Piave on the story for Venice’s Teatro La Fenice. The 1857 premiere was a moderate success (primarily with critics), but Verdi described the story as “too sad and desolate” and decided that substantial alterations were needed. The revised version—created with librettist Arrigo Boito—was completed in 1881 and featured a revamped first act, with the addition of the “Council Chamber” scene. Still, the plot resists easy synopsis. It takes place in 14th-century Genoa, and centres on a former pirate who reluctantly accepts the office of doge. He becomes a clear-eyed, compassionate ruler, but has lost both the love of his life and their daughter. While defending himself from political opponents’ attacks, Boccanegra reconciles with the long-lost daughter who disappeared years earlier. Simon Boccanegra lacks the light touch and big tunes of earlier Verdi operas, perhaps because so many political machinations dominate the plot. Yet the score also has richness and subtlety, anchored by one of the most psychologically complex baritone parts in the repertory.