Scan 51
Stokes Encyclopedia Of Music And Musicians, 1908
11 lines. Read by computer on 18 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1BALLO IN MASCHERA
2Gustavus III, King of Sweden, forms a mutual attachment for the wife of his confidant, Ankarström, who has discovered a plot against the king's life, of which he vainly warns him. Kaulbart, the minister, desires to banish a witch, Arvedson, who is said to compound love philtres, but, unwilling to commit an act of injustice, Gustavus visits the witch in disguise. Malwina, Ankarström's wife, is seeking a potion to release her from her infatuation for Gustavus, and he hears the witch tell her to gather an herb which grows over the graves of criminals, at midnight. When she leaves the witch is required to tell the king's fortune, and warns him he will be slain by the man who next offers him his hand. Just then Ankarström enters, seeking the king, and they shake hands. The lovers meet in the third act, but Ankarström, who has been watching over the king's safety, appears in time to prevent the conspirators from attacking him, gives the king his cloak, and promises to return the veiled lady to her home. The conspirators attack Ankarström, his wife loses her veil, he recognizes her, then turns from her and promises to join the conspiracy. Ankarström's house is the meeting place of the conspirators. Malwina is chosen to draw the lots which shall decide who is to kill Gustavus, and that duty devolves upon her husband. Oswald, the king's page, brings an invitation to a masked ball, and there it is determined Gustavus shall die. The last act represents the ball-room. The king has resolved to abandon his pursuit of Malwina, and has appointed Ankarström Governor of Finland. An anonymous note warns Gustavus not to appear at the ball, but he disregards the warning. Oscar tells Ankarström how to recognize the king, and, as Malwina tries to warn Gustavus and he is handing her Ankarström's commission, Ankarström shoots him. The king pardons his murderer before dying. Giuseppe Verdi's four-act opera, to book adapted by Somma, was completed in 1854 for the San Carlo, Naples, but was declined for political reasons, it being considered unwise to portray the assassination of a king. Verdi thereupon changed the scene from Europe to America, substituting for the king "Count Richard, Governor of Boston." The counsellor Ankarström becomes the secretary "Rene"; Malwina, "Amelia"; the Swedish witch a negro, "Ulrica"; and the chief conspirators become "Samuel" and "Tom." The scene in the witch's den has been somewhat expanded, but in other respects the plots are identical. There being no objection to the assassination of a Governor of Boston, the opera was presented at Rome, Feb. 17, 1859, and it has recently been revived and included in the repertoire of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York. The principal musical numbers in Verdi's opera are: Act I: "La rivedra nell'estasi," Richard; "Di speranze e glorie piena," Rene; "Volta la terrea," Oscar; the witch-music "Re del abisso," "Di' tu se fedele," Richard; Act II: "Ma dall'arido," Amelia; "M'ami, M'ami," Richard and Amelia; "Odi tu come," trio; Act III: "Morro, ma prima in grazia," Amelia; "O dolcezzo perdute," Rene; "Saper vorreste," Oscar.
4BANDA
5Ballonzare. It. Wild, reckless dancing.
6Baltazarini (Baltagerini) introduced Italian dances into Paris from which opera and ballet were developed; played violin; became intendant of music to Catherine de Medici, 1577, who changed his name to Beaujoyeulx.
7Baltzar (Thomas) first great violinist to visit England; became leader of the King's band, 1661. B. Lübeck, 1630; d. London, July 27, 1663.
8Banchieri (Adriano) founded the Accademia Florida of Bologna, 1623; wrote rules for playing accompaniment from figured bass, and other books on theory; composed church music and played organ. B. Bologna, about 1567; abbot of Mt. Oliveto; d. 1634, Bologna.
9Band. Instrumental musicians grouped for performance, as a military band, brass band, string band, or other sections of the ORCHESTRA.
10Banda. It. Military band.
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