The role of Amelia in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Un ballo in maschera” - Vocality and Technical-interpretative Coordinates

Abstract

Like all of Verdi's mature works, the opera “Un ballo in maschera” demonstrates notable progress in both vocal and orchestral writing. In terms of the vocality of the characters, Verdi creates remarkable solo roles, adapted to the various dramaturgical requirements. The role of Amelia is a key character, being assigned an extensive vocal discourse. Her vocality reflects a noticeable difference from the Verdian patterns used in the construction of female roles, up to “Il Trovatore”. The suppression of the well-known “cabaletta”, the abandonment of the demonstrations of vocal virtuosity and the intensification of the vocal writing in the middle register, offer a plus of uniqueness to this role. Thus, a new vocal pattern is materialized among the female characters representative in Giuseppe Verdi’s work, leaving behind the vocal portraits of the heroines inspired from the belcanto singing “tradition”. In this study we will analyze from a structural and interpretive point of view the main solo moments of the role.