Simon Boccanegra
Self-Guided Resource List
Synopsis
“Simon Boccanegra.” Opera Philadelphia, www.operaphila.org/whats-on/in-theaters-20232024/simon-boccanegra/synopsis/. Accessed 21 July 2023.
Articles
Cast Insights: Lead Actor Addresses Plot, Themes, and Impact
Johnson, Lawrence A. “It’s Good to be the Doge: Hampson makes the political personal in ‘Simon Boccanegra.’” Chicago Classical Review, 9 Oct. 2012, chicagoclassicalreview.com/2012/10/its-good-to-be-the-doge-hampson-makes-thepolitical-personal-in-simon-boccanegra/. Accessed 11 July 2023.
This interview with Thomas Hampson exemplifies how a lead actor goes about contextualizing their role and explaining the relevancy of opera at large. The article addresses the narrative, themes, and impact of Simon Boccanegra for American audiences. This text is recommended for students grade 8 and up.
Books
Historical Context: 14th century Genoa
Epstein, Steven A. “Chapter 5: Long Live the People, the Merchants, and the Doge, 1311-1370.” Genoa & the Genoese, 958-1528, The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC, 2001. Available at Parkway Central Library
Described as “necessary reading for anyone interested in getting a better view of the historical evolution of the European economy and polity" by the Journal of Economic History, Epstein chronicles the political events, economic trends, social conditions, and cultural accomplishments of Genoa. Chapter 5 provides background for those interested in understanding the historical context of Simon Boccanegra, delving into the class struggles and political unrest of the 14th century. This text is recommended for educators and students in advanced placement.
Historical Context: 14th century fashion
Laver, James, and Amy De La Haye. “Chapter 3: The Dark Ages and the Middle Ages.”
Costume and Fashion: A Concise History. Rev., expanded and updated ed. Thames and Hudson, NY, 1995. Available at David Cohen Ogontz, Welsh Road, Widener, and Wyoming Library.
This generously illustrated text describes the trends throughout fashion history, providing insight into the silhouettes and fabrics of given eras. This text is recommended for
educators and students grade 8 and up interested in the costume design of Simon Boccanegra and the significance of fashion in societies.
Podcasts
About the Composer: Verdi and Wagner’s Rivalry
Young, Robin, host. “Verdi Vs. Wagner, And Why They Disliked Each Other's Music,” Here & Now, WBUR, 19 June 2013, https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2013/06/19/composersverdi-wagner. Accessed 11 July 2023.
With guest William Lumpkin, director of the Opera Institute at Boston University, this segment delves into the history of Simon Boccanegra’s composer and his contemporary, Richard Wagner. Lumpkin defines Verdi’s grand opera style and explores the diverse musicality of the 14th century. This podcast is recommended for students grade 8 and up.
Videos
Cast Insights: Interview with Professional Opera Singer
HiHo Kids. “Kids Meet an Opera Singer.” YouTube, 30 Aug. 2018, https://youtu.be/95RLviccrQc Accessed 18 July 2023.
This video features kids interviewing American soprano Angel Blue, who went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording in 2021. The interview details Angel’s career as a professional opera singer and acts as a lighthearted introduction to opera. This video is recommended for all ages.
Cast Insights: 2013 Interview with Ana María Martínez
PBS NewsHour. “Conversation: Opera Singer Ana María Martínez.” YouTube, 17 May 2013, https://youtu.be/cKCaVUweALU. Accessed 21 July 2013.
In this interview, Ana María Martínez, a Grammy Award winning soprano playing Maria and Amelia in Opera Philadelphia’s Simon Boccanegra, discusses the universality of opera. She compares opera to telenovelas, relating the historic artform to modern Spanish culture. This video is recommended for all ages.