Patrick Bade
Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra: A Celebration of a United Country
Summary
Patrick Bade discusses the opera Simon Boccanegra in the context of three operas with the theme of liberation chosen to connect with Passover. The opera belongs to Verdi’s middle period, first performed in 1857 during the Risorgimento movement. The opera is considered more for connoisseurs than the general public, with a gloomy atmosphere and dark voices. Despite its challenges, Simon Boccanegra holds a special place for many critics and opera enthusiasts.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.