‘리골레토’는 한 아버지의 비극을 그린 작품으로, 무대는 이탈리아 북부의 만토바 공국이다. 만토바를 다스리는 젊은 공작을 위해 일하는 어릿광대 리골레토는 바람둥이 공작에게 여자를 소개해 주고 뒤처리까지 해주며 두터운 신임을 얻는다. 그러나 리골레토의 숨겨진 딸 질다에게 공작이 접근하면서 돌이킬 수 없는 비극이 시작된다.
Cheryl Studer, in the title role, leads an excellent cast in Elijah Moshinsky's 1994 production of Verdi's extravagant and magnificent Egyptian opera. Aida was acclaimed at its first performance in 1871 and has grown in stature ever since to become one of the best-loved and most performed grand operas of all time.
Stiffelio is considered "early Verdi" to musiclogists who classify things, but, in reality, it is a final transition between the maestro's earlier (but most enjoyable) works, and the mature craftsmanship of Rigoletto. Preceded by Luisa Miller (q.v.), there is more dramatic intensity and story line than in the earlier works. The plot centers around Stiffelio, a minister, who discovers that his wife, Mina, has been unfaithful.
