“Long live peace, there is nothing else. Tomorrow’s show, long live peace”. This is the message that Marco Vizzardelli, the loggerhead who shouted “Long live anti-fascist Italy” at the Scala premiere last year, wants to shout from the metaphorical armchair of the Milanese theater on the eve of the performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino”. A gesture that “was also taken very well by la Scala itself” he adds. Vizzardelli will be present at the premiere tomorrow, this time not in the Loggione, together with the president of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa. “Very good,you can see the work” replies the gallery attendant.”I confirm – he tells Adnkronos – that I was and still am anti-fascist today” and that he will not want to repeat himself by sending the same message twice,because “if I did I would be a clown”.
Marco Vizzardelli is an opera enthusiast and expert and “La Forza del Destino” is one of Giuseppe verdi’s strangest operas, he is keen to underline. It is neither an immediate nor an enthralling work, but “much more complex, the only comparison I can make with another Verdi opera is with the Sicilian Vespers”. The comparison is with War and Peace or with a hypothetical musical depiction of Gone with the Wind: “Its like opening a great historical novel and getting lost in its pages”.
“I was lucky enough to see the opera during the general rehearsals and Leo Muscato (director) and Riccardo Chailly (conductor) did a job that I would define current and poetic. Muscato captured, in a non-Manichean way, the theme of peace and portrayed it in a stupendous way.” Of Chailly ”I believe it is indeed his greatest Verdi direction. Calibrated, studied, but with a huge heart behind it.” And at the end “it gives me goosebumps, I was moved”.
How does Marco Vizzardelli’s interpretation of “La Forza del Destino” reflect contemporary societal issues?
Interview with Marco Vizzardelli: Exploring ”La Forza del Destino” and the Message of Peace
Editor: Thank you, Marco, for joining us today. Excitement is building for the premiere of Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino.” you have a unique perspective, especially after your bold statement last year at La Scala. Can you start by sharing your thoughts on the connection between the performance and your message of peace?
Marco vizzardelli: thank you for having me! My message of “Long live peace” is more pertinent now than ever, especially in thes tumultuous times. While I won’t repeat my previous statement—because I’m not a clown—it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of peace within our society. I beleive art, particularly opera, can be a powerful vehicle for these messages. It’s unbelievable how La Scala itself embraced this notion.
Editor: You mentioned that “La Forza del Destino” is one of Verdi’s more complex operas. How does it differ from other works in his repertoire?
Marco Vizzardelli: Yes, this opera is quite unique.It’s not immediately enthralling like some of his more famous pieces. I liken it to opening a vast past novel—it’s intricate and layered. The only real comparison I can draw is with ”The Sicilian Vespers.” It demands your attention and invites you to get lost in its narrative, much like the epic tales of “War and Peace” or “Gone with the Wind.”
editor: That’s a fascinating comparison! What did you think of the recent rehearsal conducted by Leo Muscato and Riccardo Chailly?
Marco Vizzardelli: They did an outstanding job! Muscato’s direction was both contemporary and poetic, effectively illuminating the themes of peace without reductive moral binaries. Chailly’s conducting, in particular, might be his crowning achievement with Verdi.His approach was meticulous, yet it pulsated with a strong emotional core. Honestly, their collaboration truly gave me goosebumps—I was genuinely moved.
Editor: For readers who may not be familiar with the opera, what can they expect from “La Forza del Destino”?
Marco Vizzardelli: Audiences can expect a powerful narrative that intertwines fate and destiny. They’ll experience rich character development and complex emotional arcs set against a backdrop of historical turmoil. The music is hauntingly beautiful, and every note contributes to an overarching exploration of moral dilemmas and human resilience.It’s deeply resonant.
Editor: With your extensive background as an opera enthusiast, what practical advice would you give to someone attending their first opera, particularly “La Forza del Destino”?
Marco Vizzardelli: My advice would be to come prepared! Read the synopsis and listen to some of the score beforehand. Pay attention to the themes and character relationships as they unfold.Don’t be afraid to feel—opera is meant to evoke deep emotions. And remember, it’s not just about the music; it’s about the story being told and the connections it draws to our lives today. enjoy the experience and let the performance transport you.
Editor: Thank you, Marco, for sharing your insights on ”La Forza del Destino” and the importance of peace within the context of opera. We look forward to your continued advocacy for these meaningful messages through art.
Marco Vizzardelli: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss these crucial themes and the power of opera. Long live peace!