Table of Contents

Introduction
Nabucco
I Lombardi alla prima crociata
Ernani
I due Foscari
Attila
Macbeth
The Country's Growth Stimulates Opera
I masnadieri
Jérusalem
Luisa Miller
Rigoletto
Opera on Tour and the Rise of Regional Companies
Oberto
Un giorno di regno
Giovanna d'Arco
Alzira
Il corsaro
La battaglia di Legnano
Stiffelio
Appendix A: The Operas, Their World, Western Hemisphere, and U.S. Premieres
Appendix B: The Swift Spread of Ernani
Appendix C: Dollar Values and Populations
Appendix D: The San Carlo Touring Company: Repertory and Number ofPerformances, 1913/14 through 1928/29
Appendix E: Number of Performances of Verdi's Operas at the Metropolitan, 1883/84 through 2008/9
Appendix F: An Arrangement, a Reduction, and the Score as Written: Stiffelio

Reviews

Martin's most comprehensive study on this subject to date. It reflects an awareness of how Verdi's reception outside Italy has influenced our understanding of the complex and fascinating legends and legacies surrounding his career. Martin's aim to shed light on the historical context behind the Verdi productions produces some of the most intriguing aspects of the book.
*MUSIC & LETTERS*

A tour de force. . . . Succeeds extraordinarily in achieving his stated goals. A vibrant book that is filled with enough detailed information on Verdi's operas to satisfy a researcher's needs, but is also readily accessible to the general operagoer.
*JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR AMERICAN MUSIC*

A unique panorama of Verdi's early operas and American operatic practice, past and present. . . . Martin's discussions of each opera illuminate historical trends that are often overlooked. . . . Perhaps most valuable are Martin's discussions of . . . a network of smaller companies, venues, and concert series that are rarely, if ever examined. . . . Methodologically unique, illuminating for the first time the transformation of operatic practice (in America) from the mid-nineteenth century through the current day. . . . A student of American opera, American musical institutions, and Giuseppe Verdi should consider George W. Martin's book required reading, and its dual functionality as both a reference book and monograph makes it a particularly useful addition to the library shelf.
*MUSIC REFERENCE SERVICES QUARTERLY*

Keen insight. . . . A history of the early American operatic stage through the prism of Verdi's early works. Especially pertinent is information on many of the US's most important regional opera house -- material unavailable elsewhere -- and [on the] recording histories of the operas. . . . Deeply edifying. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.
*CHOICE*

Offers informed, trenchant assessments of important Met stagings. . . . Especially insightful about the work of regional companies. . . . Martin's effort combines a critic's eye, a scholar's rigor and a fan's enthusiasm.
*OPERA NEWS*

Informative and filled with engaging materials and useful data. . . . Provides a wealth of details about how different religious beliefs in different areas created barriers against opera.
*CAMBRIDGE OPERA JOURNAL*