Washington and Lee University
Back by popular demand, Scott and Amy Williamson (late of Puccini and Pasta) will illuminate and perform the music of Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901). W&L's opera specialist and professor of music, Tim Gaylard, will explain the extraordinary achievement of Verdi's genius.
The central figure in Italian opera, Verdi inherited opera's dramatic tradition from the bel canto composers Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti, then passed it on, more fully developed and ripened, to his successor Puccini. With his 26 operas, at least 10 of them masterpieces, Verdi contributed more to the art form than any other composer. It has been estimated that every night of the year, somewhere in the world, an opera by Verdi is performed.
How did this man of humble origins from Parma rise to the heights of fame and fortune? Verdi's life story is as inspiring as his music, for he endured terrible losses and overcame enormous obstacles, both personal and professional. Verdi lived at a time when Italy struggled to free itself from foreign domination. 
Through the underlying nationalist themes of his early operas, he became a hero of the Risorgimento, eventually becoming a senator in the newly formed Italian parliament.
Through it all, there was-and is-his incredible music wedded to an unerring sense of potent drama. Like any fine operatic composer, Verdi was a master of melody. Who can resist the boisterous bounce of the Duke's "La donna è mobile" in Rigoletto, the nostalgic beauty of Aida's "O patria mia" or the sensuous appeal of Germont's "Di Provenza il mar" from La Traviata? But Verdi's genius lies in his ability to find the exactly appropriate music for his characters and their dramatic moments. 
In his profound understanding of human nature, he is often compared to Shakespeare, who was his theatrical idol. His characters don't simply sing at each other, they interact in memorable ensembles, whether they are singing love duets, complicated quartets or rousing choral scenes.
It all sounds like a fine wine, which will share the spotlight for the week. Verdi goes well with a full-bodied red. An afternoon session each day will review a range of varietals and vintages, for while opera enriches the soul, a great wine liberates it.
