Contents
Rigoletto: Character Map
Rigoletto: Roles
| Rigoletto | the Duke’s jester | baritone |
| Gilda | Rigolet’s daughter | soprano |
| Duke of Mantua | tenor |
| Sparafucile | a murderer for hire | bass |
| Maddalena | Sparafucile’s sister | contralto |
| Count Ceprano | bass | |
| Countess Ceprano | mezzo-soprano | |
| Count Monterone | baritone | |
| Giovanna | Gilda’s Nurse | mezzo-soprano |
| Matteo Borsa | a courtier | tenor |
| Marullo | baritone |
- Native title: Rigoletto
- Composers: Giuseppe Verdi
- Librettist: Francesco Maria Piave
- Based on: Le roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo
- Language: Italian
- Premiere: March 11, 1851, La Fenice, Venice
- Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes (Act 1: 60 minutes, Act 2: 35 minutes, Act 3: 40 minutes)
Rigoletto: Short Synopsis
Rigoletto, a clown, was in the service of the married and amorous Duke of Mantua. Rigoletto has a daughter, Gilda, whom he hides from everyone.
Unbeknownst to Rigoletto, Gilda falls in love with the Duke, who hides his identity. However, Gilda is carried away by the courtiers who have a grudge against Rigoletto.
The courtiers give Gilda to the Duke of Mantua. The Duke of Mantua plays with Gilda. Rigoletto sees Gilda weeping and vows revenge.
Rigoletto plans to assassinate the Duke, but Gilda takes his place and dies. Rigoletto is shocked to see his daughter’s body.