Falstaff
Synopsis
It is to composer and librettist Arrigo Boito and his constant pestering of the octogenarian Verdi that there remained within him one last great comedy fighting to get out that we owe this absolute miracle of an opera. Produced in 1893 as Verdi turned 80 there is much in this masterpiece that can be identified as a modernist neoclassical work. The use of short motifs instead of long arioso melodic lines, the spry and reduced orchestral textures and the lack of a single 'stand and deliver' dramatic declamatory aria all serve to make this more of a 20th century work than an example of 19th century late-Romanticism.
Top Cast
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Mirella Freni
Alice Ford
Barbara Bonney
Nannetta
Paul Plishka
Sir John Falstaff
Bruno Pola
Ford
Marilyn Horne
Mistress Quickly
Frank Lopardo
Fenton
Piero De Palma
Dr. Cajus
Anthony Laciura
Bardolfo
James Courtney
Pistola
Susan Graham
Meg Page
James Levine
Self - Conductor
Carole Wright
Mistress of the Inn
Tim Willson
The Innkeeper
MET Orchestra
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1993
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Franco Zeffirelli, Brian Large
- Screenplay & Story
- Arrigo Boito
- Original Score
- Giuseppe Verdi
- Original Title
- Falstaff
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 2h 6m
- Production Studios
- Deutsche Grammophon
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Franco Zeffirelli, Brian Large
Arrigo Boito
Giuseppe Verdi
Daniel Anker, Louisa Briccetti
Department Leadership Roster
Franco Zeffirelli
Director
Arrigo Boito
Writer
Franco Zeffirelli
Production Design
Daniel Anker
Producer
Giuseppe Verdi
Original Music Composer
Brian Large
Director
Louisa Briccetti
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Falstaff.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Falstaff
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Falstaff about?
It is to composer and librettist Arrigo Boito and his constant pestering of the octogenarian Verdi that there remained within him one last great comedy fighting to get out that we owe this absolute miracle of an opera. Produced in 1893 as Verdi turned 80 there is much in this masterpiece that can be identified as a modernist neoclassical work. The use of short motifs instead of long arioso melodic lines, the spry and reduced orchestral textures and the lack of a single 'stand and deliver' dramatic declamatory aria all serve to make this more of a 20th century work than an example of 19th century late-Romanticism.
Who directed Falstaff?
Falstaff was directed by Franco Zeffirelli, Brian Large.
Who stars in Falstaff?
The principal cast of Falstaff includes Mirella Freni, Barbara Bonney, Paul Plishka, Bruno Pola, Marilyn Horne.
When was Falstaff released and how long is it?
Falstaff was released in 1993 with a total runtime of 2h 6m.
Who composed the musical score for Falstaff?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Falstaff was composed by Giuseppe Verdi.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Falstaff?
Falstaff holds official age classifications: US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).