Gil Harel Presents: Giuseppe Verdi’s la Traviata, a Cornerstone of 19th Century Italian Opera

Join Professor Gil Harel for an illuminating lecture on Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata, a cornerstone of 19th-century Italian opera renowned for its profound emotional depth and musical innovation. This presentation will explore the opera’s intricate score, focusing on Verdi’s masterful use of bel canto techniques, leitmotifs, and orchestral color to underscore the psychological complexity of Violetta Valéry’s journey. We will examine key musical moments, such as the poignant "Amami, Alfredo" and the virtuosic "Sempre libera," to illustrate how Verdi blends lyrical expressivity with dramatic intensity, reflecting the social and moral tensions of the era.

Delving into the opera’s cultural and historical context, the lecture will address how La Traviata challenged operatic conventions and societal norms through its portrayal of love, sacrifice, and redemption. By analyzing Verdi’s compositional choices—such as his innovative use of chromaticism and dynamic pacing to mirror Violetta’s emotional and physical decline—attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the opera’s enduring impact. Whether you are a passionate opera enthusiast or a curious neophyte, this lecture promises to offer fresh insights into one of Verdi’s most beloved works and its significance within the operatic canon.

About the Presenter

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching"). Currently, he is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" on seven occasions. 

Among many accolades, he has been honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At Naugatuck Valley, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.