THE ORCHESTRATION OF VERDI: A STUDY OF THE GROWTH OF VERDI'S ORCHESTRAL TECHNIQUE AS REFLECTED IN THE TWO VERSIONS OF SIMON BOCCANEGRA
Albert O. "Tim" Cordell, Ph.D.
Catholic University of America
1992
The progress of Verdi's orchestral technique can best be seen in those operas which he revised or refashioned after several years. This dissertation focuses on his orchestration as reflected in a comparison of Simon Boccanegra I (1857) and his most completely revised opera, Simon Boccanegra II (1881). The location of the two Boccanegras in Verdi's canon is strategic for the study of his orchestral development and advantageous for an analysis of the copious correspondence and abundant nineteenth century documentation.

An annotated measure by measure comparison of the two Boccanegras reveals techniques in Verdi's orchestration which remained consistent throughout his career, and serves as a guide to examine variance and growth in the evolution of his craft. The letters quoted document the history of both Boccanegras, air his opinion about musical instruments, and express his desire for modifications to nineteenth century Italian orchestras-- modifications in seating, balance, and the adoption of a standard pitch to avoid persistent problems between banda and orchestra.

As a result of the comparison of the two Boccanegras documentation is provided showing that Verdi deleted over half of the original pages of Boccanegra I when composing the revision. This and other added features make this dissertation valuable to scholars doing research in the orchestration of Verdi, nineteenth century opera orchestration or the study of both Boccanegras.

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