Rigoletto, an opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi, tells a tragic story of a hunchbacked jester working for the Duke of Mantua. The opera is centered around a curse that befalls Rigoletto, ultimately leading to his downfall and the death of his beloved daughter, Gilda. The curse originates from a father whose daughter was seduced and dishonored by the Duke. Seeking revenge, the father, Sparafucile, hires an assassin to kill the Duke. However, Rigoletto, who unwittingly aids in the plot, is also cursed by the father as he believes Rigoletto mocked his misery. Throughout the opera, the curse seems to permeate the lives of the characters, bringing forth tragedy and despair.
Praise:
"This is an important source for libraries to have in their collections to assist anyone seeking information about the many aspects of occult traditions."--Booklist
The New Encyclopedia of the Occult is an invaluable reference guide to magic, alchemy, astrology, divination, Tarot, palmistry, and geomancy; magical orders such as the Golden Dawn and Rosicrucians; important occultists; and religions and spiritual traditions associated with occultism such as Wicca, Thelema, Theosophy, and the modern Pagan movement. The New Encyclopedia of the Occult is an invaluable reference guide to magic, alchemy, astrology, divination, Tarot, palmistry, and geomancy; magical orders such as the Golden Dawn and Rosicrucians; important occultists; and religions and spiritual traditions associated with occultism such as Wicca, Thelema, Theosophy, and the modern Pagan movement.
Throughout the opera, the curse seems to permeate the lives of the characters, bringing forth tragedy and despair. Rigoletto's love for his daughter, Gilda, is presented as a source of hope and redemption, despite the curse hanging over their lives. As the story unfolds, Gilda falls in love with the Duke, unaware of his true nature.
The New Encyclopedia of the Occult
From "Aarab Zereq" to "Zos Kia Cultus," this is the most up-to-date, comprehensive guide to the history, philosophies, and personalities of Western occultism.
Written by an occult scholar and practitioner with the assistance of hundreds of experts in the field, this volume presents the latest in scholarly research and points out errors in previous writings-revealing truths much more interesting and dramatic than the fictional histories that obscured them.
The New Encyclopedia of the Occult is an invaluable reference guide to magic, alchemy, astrology, divination, Tarot, palmistry, and geomancy; magical orders such as the Golden Dawn and Rosicrucians; important occultists; and religions and spiritual traditions associated with occultism such as Wicca, Thelema, Theosophy, and the modern Pagan movement.
8 x 10 x 1 IN | 576 pages | paperback
Product DetailsBy John Michael Greer
From the publisher:
From "Aarab Zereq" to "Zos Kia Cultus," this is the most up-to-date, comprehensive guide to the history, philosophies, and personalities of Western occultism.
Written by an occult scholar and practitioner with the assistance of hundreds of experts in the field, this volume presents the latest in scholarly research and points out errors in previous writings-revealing truths much more interesting and dramatic than the fictional histories that obscured them.
The New Encyclopedia of the Occult is an invaluable reference guide to magic, alchemy, astrology, divination, Tarot, palmistry, and geomancy; magical orders such as the Golden Dawn and Rosicrucians; important occultists; and religions and spiritual traditions associated with occultism such as Wicca, Thelema, Theosophy, and the modern Pagan movement.
8 x 10 x 1 IN | 576 pages | paperback
Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins and some Neolithic passage tombs in Ireland are aligned with the sunrise at the time of Samhain. Throughout Ireland and Britain, especially in the Celtic-speaking regions, the household festivities included divination rituals and games intended to foretell one's future, especially regarding death and marriage. Apples and nuts were often used, and customs included apple bobbing, nut roasting, scrying or mirror-gazing, pouring molten lead or egg whites into water, dream interpretation, and others.
When Rigoletto discovers their affair, he becomes consumed with anger and seeks revenge against the Duke. In a heartbreaking twist, Gilda sacrifices herself to save the man she loves, falling victim to the curse in the process. The curse, in essence, represents the inevitable consequences of immoral actions and the cyclical nature of revenge. Verdi masterfully weaves the curse into the plot, creating a sense of foreboding and tragedy throughout the opera. Rigoletto's ultimate downfall and Gilda's tragic fate highlight the destructiveness of the curse and its grip on the characters' lives. The curse becomes a reflection of the consequences that befall those who sow discord and engage in immoral behavior. In conclusion, the curse in Rigoletto plays a vital role in driving the narrative forward and revealing the dark underbelly of human nature. Through the curse, Verdi explores themes of vengeance, love, and the destructive power of fate. The opera serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from our actions, and the impossibility of escaping the consequences of our deeds..
Reviews for "The Curse of Rigoletto: From Myth to Reality"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to seeing "Rigoletto the Curse" but I was sorely disappointed. The story felt disjointed and hard to follow, and the acting was lackluster. The set design also left much to be desired, with cheap-looking props and a boring backdrop. Overall, it was a forgettable performance that did not live up to the hype.
2. John - 1 star - I couldn't wait for "Rigoletto the Curse" to be over. The singing was subpar, with weak vocals and off-key notes. The plot was confusing and there were too many unnecessary characters that didn't add anything to the story. The production felt amateurish and I couldn't wait to leave the theater. Save your money and skip this one.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Rigoletto the Curse" was a major letdown for me. The costumes were drab and unimpressive, and the choreography was uninspired. The music, while iconic, felt lackluster in this performance. I was hoping for a thrilling experience but instead I was left feeling bored and unengaged. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this production.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I found "Rigoletto the Curse" to be a disappointment. The acting was mediocre, with unconvincing performances that failed to capture the emotions of the characters. The pacing was also off, making the already confusing story even harder to follow. I left the theater feeling underwhelmed and wishing I had chosen a different production to see.