Politics and Religion in Verdi’s Operas
A Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Education Corporation Presented by: Simon Williams P.O. Box 23228, Santa Barbara, CA 93121 Wed. Jan. 6, Wed. Jan. 13, Thu. Jan. 21, and Wed. Jan. 27, 2021 805-967-6030 10 – 11:30 a.m. Web: vistaslifelonglearning.org Email: [email protected] ONLINE via ZOOM
T HROUGHOUT HIS CAREER as an opera composer, Verdi was regarded as an icon for Italy, especially the Italy that emerged as a consequence of the Risorgimento. For a time he was even involved in practical politics, serving as an MP in the Italian Parliament. However, Verdi was always skeptical over the integrity of political life and the nationalist causes that drove it. Furthermore, he had profound doubts over the impact of the Catholic church on Italian life and politics.
This course will focus on the interplay between politics and religion in Verdi’s operas. It will trace how the two both intertwine and conflict with each other. It will also trace the development of a religious outlook in Verdi that is detached from the Catholic church, but which throws the machinations of the political world into an ironic, even hostile light. The operas discussed will be Rossini’s Mose in Egitto and Verdi’s Nabucco, I Lombardi/Jerusalem, Stiffelio, La Forza del Destino, Don Carlos, and Aida. The talks will be illustrated by audio and video extracts from modern performances of the operas.
Enrollment form: Politics and Religion in Verdi’s Operas Wed. Jan. 6, Wed. Jan. 13, Thu. Jan. 21, and Wed. Jan. 27, 2021 VISTAS members $25; non-members $38
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Simon Williams, now retired, was a Professor in the Department of Theater and Dance at UCSB for over 30 years. He has published widely in the fields of European continental theatre, the history of acting, Shakespearean performance, and operatic history. In addition, he has contributed numerous articles in his fields of specialty and is also an active reviewer for opera publications. Professor Williams is on the boards of Opera Santa Barbara and The Ensemble Theatre. In recent years he has presented memorable VISTAS courses on “Wagner: The Man and the Music” and “Donizetti’s Three Queens.”
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