Two in one! That’s right—two firsts in a single evening! My first time in Genoa, my first visit to the Teatro Carlo Felice, and most importantly, my first time experiencing Falstaff live.
A Theater Steeped in History
Before diving into the music, let’s talk about the venue. The Teatro Carlo Felice was built in 1828 and inaugurated with Bellini’s Bianca e Fernando. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt in the 1990s in a modern architectural style, preserving the essence of the original hall. While it may not be the most breathtaking theater in Italy, it is known for its ambitious programming, excellent communication, and a welcoming atmosphere. And last night, I could confirm all three!
Verdi… Doing Rossini?
I’ve always struggled to associate Falstaff with Verdi. How could the composer of Aida, La Forza del Destino, and above all, Otello end his career with a comic opera? It felt as strange as imagining Elvis Presley rapping in his final years.
Because of this, I had always kept Falstaff at a distance. Of course, I had listened to it multiple times—on vinyl, in recordings—but never in a live performance. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that opera must be experienced live to truly appreciate its richness.
A Stellar Cast and a Captivating Staging
I have to start by thanking my colleague Henri, who had seen Falstaff at the Paris Opera five or six times last year. He told me: “Watching Falstaff live today with Ambrogio Maestri is like seeing your first football match with Zidane—you’re not likely to get anything better.”
And he was right. Ambrogio Maestri is Falstaff. The last time I saw him, he was playing Dr. Dulcamara in L’Elisir d’Amore, already proving his gift for comedic roles. But this? This was something else entirely. His voice, his stage presence, his impeccable comic timing—it was simply perfect.
The staging by Damiano Michieletto was a feast for the eyes. Dynamic, inventive, and full of life, it never felt dull for a second. From my front-row seat, I was able to catch every detail, every interaction, every musical nuance.
And what a joy to hear Caterina Sala! Her voice was dazzling, radiant, and an absolute highlight of the night. A truly remarkable singer I’ll be following closely!
An Orchestra That Brought It All to Life
And saving the best for last: Jordi Bernàcer at the podium. What a pleasure it was to see a conductor so deeply connected with his orchestra! Every phrase, every shift in dynamics felt effortlessly controlled, bringing Verdi’s intricate score to life with remarkable clarity.
Final Thoughts? A Revelation!
I came in skeptical, but I left converted. Falstaff may not be the Verdi I had expected, but it is Verdi at his most liberated, playful, and inventive—an explosion of music and theater. If anything, it proves that even after Otello, the great maestro still had a few surprises up his sleeve.
And let’s be honest… a night in Genoa, a brilliant opera, a top-tier cast, and electrifying musical direction? Even the nightmare journey from Lausanne was worth it! 😄
CAST
Sir John Falstaff
Ambrogio Maestri
Ford
Ernesto Petti
Fenton
Galeano Salas
Dottor Caius
Blagoj Nacoski
Bardolfo
Oronzo D’Urso
Pistola
Luciano Leoni
Alice Ford
Erika Grimaldi
Nannetta
Caterina Sala
Mrs. Quickly
Sara Mingardo
Mrs. Meg Page
Paola Gardina
