The First Crusade (1096-1099), the setting for I lombardi alla prima crociata, was glorified in Milan as a model for the struggle against the ruling Austrians, though it was an insidious war driven by fanaticism and greed.
Performer Biography
Ivan Repušić, the conductor of this album, launched a cycle of early and rarely performed Verdi operas with the Münchner Rundfunkorchester, beginning with Luisa Miller and continuing with I due Foscari, Attila, and I lombardi alla prima crociata.
Cultural Impact
In 1861, after Italy was unified as a kingdom, the chorus 'O Signore, dal tetto natio' from I lombardi alla prima crociata became a patriotic anthem, initially more popular than 'Va pensiero' from Nabucco.
Compositional Technique
Verdi, known as the 'father of choruses', gives the chorus a special function in I lombardi alla prima crociata, setting it in dialogue and keeping it present in varied forms throughout Act I.
Composition History
Verdi's opera I lombardi alla prima crociata was created after the success of his previous opera Nabucco, with the impresario Bartolomeo Merelli seeking a similar formula of religion, patriotism, war, and family conflict.
Critical Reception
I lombardi alla prima crociata was a success after its 1843 premiere, with 26 well-attended performances, and was the first Verdi opera performed in New York in 1847.
Compositional Technique
In I lombardi alla prima crociata, Verdi uses a 'banda' (typical Italian brass band) and martial choruses, distinguishing between the staccato singing of the Muslims and the rhythmic marching songs of the Christians.
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