โI complain bitterly of the editions of my last operas, made with such little care, and filled with an infinite number of errors.โโGiuseppe Verdi
The University of Chicago Press, in collaboration with Casa Ricordi, has undertaken to publish the first critical edition of the complete works of Giuseppe Verdi. The series, based exclusively on original sources, is the only one to present authentic versions of all of the composerโs works; together with his operas, the critical edition presents his songs, his choral music and sacred pieces, and his string quartet and other instrumental works.
The Works of Giuseppe Verdi will be an invaluable standard reference workโa necessary acquisition for all music libraries and a joy to own for all lovers of opera. The new series of study scores presents an adaptation of each critical edition that provides scholars with an affordable and portable option for exploring Verdiโs oeuvre. The study scores have been designed to distinguish editorsโ marks from Verdiโs own notations while remaining clear enough for use in performance. The introduction to each score discusses the workโs sources, composition, and performance history, as well as performance practices, instrumentation, and problems of notation. The newest editions of the study scores examine two of Verdiโs three-act operas: La traviata and Rigoletto.