“La seduzione”

Giuseppe Verdi, "La seduzione"
David Weigel, bass-baritone; Enrique Mazzola, piano

"La seduzione" ("The seduction") was written in 1839, two years before Oberto, the first opera of Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901). The song is very much in the style of his predecessor, Gaetano Donizetti, who was still quite alive and active at the time. This comparatively gentle yet deeply felt melody could easily have been sung by the compassionate tutor Raimondo, the bass who brings gravitas to all his scenes in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor.

The song presents a rather depressing text about an innocent young girl being seduced and betrayed by her lover, who leaves her pregnant. We learn that she suffered for nine months and then died, with her child buried after her and no cross marking her grave. With her dying breath, she asked forgiveness for the lover who betrayed her.

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*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

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Photos: Kyle Flubacker