Un giorno di regno, which premiered at Milan's Teatro alla Scala in September 1840, is Verdi's second opera and one of only two comedies (with Falstaff) ever written by the composer. Rooted in Felice Romani's libretto Il finto Stanislao, Un giorno di regno experienced a tumultuous history: the opera's first performance was poorly received, a result that has been often attributed to a personal tragedy-the sudden death of his first wife-that befell Verdi during the work's composition. Research for this edition, however, reveals that Verdi worked on it with the utmost care. In recent times, new audiences have embraced revivals of Un giorno di regno, and the opera is now celebrated as a fine expression of Verdi's robust style, offering enticing glimpses into the world of comedy at mid-century. This critical edition, based on Verdi's autograph manuscript, offers the first publication of the opera in full score. Editor Francesco Izzo contextualizes Un giorno di regno in his introductory discussion of the work's origins, sources, and performances. In addition, appendices provide alternative musical readings and reconstruct lost versions of segments of the musical numbers, while the critical commentary explores editorial problems and answers.

Author Biography

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was one of the most influential composers of the nineteenth century, and his operatic works are mainstays of the repertoire. The Works of Giuseppe Verdi, published by the University of Chicago Press and Casa Ricordi, will include all twenty-nine operas as well as Verdi's sacred music, songs, chamber music, and juvenilia. Francesco Izzo is professor of music at the University of Southampton.