La Scala (Italian) Teatro alla Scala or La Scala) is the world center of opera culture. This theater has a great history. The theater building was built in 1776-1778 on the site of the church "Santa Maria della Scala", from where the theater got its name "La Scala" - Opera theatre in Milan. It is curious that during the excavation of the site for the construction of the theater, a large marble block was found, on which Pylades, the famous mime, was depicted. ancient rome. This was taken as a good sign.
The theater building, built by the architect G. Piermarini, was one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is designed in a strict neoclassical style and is distinguished by impeccable acoustics. The artistic decoration of the auditorium was combined with a convenient arrangement of seats in it and met all the strictest requirements of optics. The theater building was 100 meters long and 38 meters wide. In the middle of the facade there was a portal for the entry of carriages with ladies and their gentlemen.
The hall was in the shape of a horseshoe. It had five tiers of boxes and a gallery. There were only 194 lodges (there was also a royal lodge). Each box accommodated 8 to 10 people. All lodges were connected by a corridor. It was followed by the second row of boxes, in which were tables for card game and trade in drinks. The theater stage was rather small. Initially, there were no armchairs in the parterre - they were replaced by folding and mobile chairs.
The lighting was rather poor. Candles were lit in the boxes, and those who sat in the stalls did not dare to take off their hats and other headdresses, as melted wax dripped on them. There was no heating in the theater. But the theater hall was wonderful - made in white, silver and gold tones. Everything took place in this wonderful hall - from balls to gambling and bullfights. The theater building cost Milan about 1 million then lire. Expenses were distributed among themselves by 90 aristocrats of the city. The theater building has been restored many times. During World War II, it was destroyed and restored to its original form by engineer L. Secchi. The Teatro alla Scala reopened in 1946.
"The Rock" (as the Italians call the theater) opened in August 1778 with two operas, including A. Salieri's opera "Recognized Europe" specially written for this occasion. They were followed by two ballets. The Milanese quickly fell in love with their theatre. Both ordinary people and aristocrats crowded at the doors of the theater, wanting to get into it. But, of course, not everyone wanted to go to the theater to listen to the opera. A significant part of the public spent time in the corridors, drinking and eating.
Until the end of the 18th century, dramatic performances were also staged on the stage of the theater. Popular at that time troupes of the puppet theater and dramatic ones performed in them, but the opera seasons, which had the names “carnival”, “autumn”, “spring”, “summer”, immediately became regular. During the "carnival season" opera seria and ballets were staged, the rest of the time mainly opera buffa.
At the end of XVIII - beginning 19th century Operas by Italian composers P. Anfossi, P. Guglielmi, D. Cimarosa, L. Cherudini, G. Paisiello, S. Maira appeared in the theatre's repertoire. In 1812, the premiere of G. Rossini's opera "The Touchstone" took place on the stage of the theater. She marked the beginning of the so-called Rossini period. The La Scala Theater was the first to stage his operas Aureliano in Palmyra (1813), The Turk in Italy (1814), The Thieving Magpie (1817) and others. At the same time, the theater staged Rossini's well-known operas. The operas by J. Meyerbeer "Margaret of Anjou" (1820), "The Exile from Grenada" (1822), as well as the most significant works of S. Mercadante were first staged on its stage.
Since the 30s of the 19th century, the history of La Scala has been associated with the work of the largest Italian composers - G. Donizetti, V. Bellini, G. Verdi, G. Puccini, whose works were staged here for the first time: "Pirate" (1827) and Norma (1831) Bellini, Lucrezia Borgia (1833) Donizetti, Oberto (1839), Nebuchadnezzar (1842), Othello (1887) and Falstaff (1893) Verdi, Madama Butterfly (1904) and Turandot by Puccini.
Verdi, for example, was not too fond of this theater at first. In one of his letters, he said to Countess Maffei: “How many times have I heard them say in Milan: “The Rock” best theater in the world. In Naples: San Carlo is the best theater in the world. In the past, even in Venice, they said that Fenice was the best theater in the world... And in Paris, the opera is the best in two, or even three worlds...» Great composer I would have preferred a theater "which is not so good." Nevertheless, in 1839 Verdi made a successful debut in Scala. But he was dissatisfied with the way they staged his "Jeanne d'Arc", considered the production a "shame", broke the contract with the theater, slammed the door and left.
But still, this theater is the cherished goal of musicians from all over the world. Is always. At all times. The position of a singer or conductor at La Scala is an all-powerful visiting card. With her, he will be always and everywhere accepted. The audience also purposefully aspires to this theater. Wealthy tourists from Europe, America and Japan always demand from travel agencies the opportunity to spend an evening in this famous theater.
At the beginning of the 19th century, "stars" were born in "The Rock", composers wrote operas especially for it. Around the theater are created music magazines, as well as open cafes for lovers of singing. Ballerinas and singers become favorites of the city. Foreigners begin to show interest in the theater. So, the famous Englishman Byron and the no less famous Frenchman Stendhal spend every evening, while in Milan, at La Scala and inform connoisseurs of their countries about new performances.
It's time for the soprano. Capricious and beautiful female singers are pushing the castrati out of the stage. Verdi returns to the theater again. Now he is already in love with him. The maestro directs the productions of his operas.
In 1887, for the first time, a twenty-year-old genius stood at the conductor's stand at La Scala - Arturo Toscanini. On his finger was a gold ring, given in Brazil for the performance of Aida. On this day, he was forced to replace the theater conductor booed by the public. He was literally brought from the hotel directly to the stage. His debut as a conductor at The Rock was a triumph.
Toscanini passionately loved Wagner, but he came to Milan and to the theater in order to get acquainted with Verdi. Toscanini was small in stature and of an intolerant disposition. He was adored and hated everywhere, but invited everywhere. He always spent an endless number of rehearsals, completely oblivious to someone else's fatigue. In 1898, Toscanini became chief conductor of the Scala Theatre. For a whole month he rehearsed Wagner - in Milan this was perceived as a challenge to the national opera. But he proved with this performance that "The Rock" can do anything, that "The Rock" is a magnificent theater.
Toscanini induces iron discipline in the theater: both on stage and in the hall. From the ladies, for example, he demanded to leave their hats in the wardrobe, so as not to obscure the scenes for others. He also canceled the showing of ballets before the opera performance. He demanded that the curtain in the theater not rise up, but open to the sides (as in Bayreuth, with Wagner). For if it rises, then the audience sees first the legs of the performers, and then the heads, which Toscanini categorically did not like.
It is thanks to this iron man"The Rock" turns into the best in the world Musical Theatre. Toscanini led him for a very long time - not a frequent and enviable longevity! But at the beginning of the 30s of the new century, the conductor could no longer remain in Italy due to clashes with the National Socialists. Toscanini refuses to sing their anthem before the performance. He simply hid behind the scenes. In 1931 he leaves for America. And after 12 years (in 1943) he learns that the "Rock" was destroyed by bombs.
But the troupe continued to give performances at different venues. The war for Italy ended on April 25, 1945. On this day, Mozart's sunny "Don Giovanni" was on the stage of the theater. Toscanini always followed the fate of La Scala. He donates 1 million lire to restore the theatre. The mayor of the city of Milan gives him a telegram in which he says: "You must conduct at the opening of the Scala, now we are restoring it." In April 1946, Toscanini returned to Milan to the restored theatre. His first concert was unforgettable for everyone.
In the second half of the 19th and in the 20th century, the theatre's repertoire was still based on the works of Italian composers - Boito, Ponchielli, Catalani, Giordano, Cilea, Alfano, Pizzetti, Casella, etc. More and more often, works of world classics are staged on the stage of the La Scala Theater and opera contemporary composers. Among them: "Parsifal" and "Gold of the Rhine" by Wagner, " Queen of Spades Tchaikovsky, Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande, Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov and Khovanshchina, Prokofiev's Love for Three Oranges and Shostakovich's Katerina Izmailova and many others.
Outstanding Italian and foreign performers performed at La Scala. In the 20th century, these are E. Caruso, T. Ruffo, de Luca, T. Skipa, B. Gigli, G. Benzanzoni, M. Caniglia, M. Del Monaco, M. Callas, R. Tebaldi, B. Hristov, F Corelli, F. Chaliapin, L. Sobinov.
A new era in the activity of the theater is associated with the names of Tebaldi and Callas - the main prima donnas and main rivals in "The Rock". Callas is hated by many actors, but the directors adore her. The great director Zeffirelli remained her friend until the singer's death. Visconti gave her the opportunity to earn the title of "divine" with his production of La Traviata. It was 1955. Callas was gorgeous and amazing. For the whole world, this singer has become the personification of "The Rock".
In this theater, Callas never missed a single performance, while in the Rome Opera, for example, she could not attend a performance, citing a “bad mood”. Her constant partner is Di Stefano, also a great singer, like his rival Del Monaco. The rivalry between Callas and Tebaldi has reached the point where clubs of adherents of one or another singer appear in the city. Supporters of these clubs often had to be separated by the police. Tebaldi could not stand this struggle and left for America. She never returned to The Rock.
The theater still hosts operas representing world classics and performs best artists different countries. The first Soviet singer to perform at La Scala was T. Milashkina. V. Noreika, I. Arkhipova, M. Reshetin, V. Atlantov, E. Obraztsova, M. Guleghina and others also took part in the performances of the theater. Generally interest in opera singers quite significant. L. Pavarotti, who gave a concert in 1984 at the Palais des Sports in Bologna, proved that an opera artist can have no less fans than famous football players.
The theater periodically goes on tour to Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Canada. In the autumn of 1964, an exchange tour of La Scala took place in Moscow and Bolshoi Theater in Milan. In 1974, La Scala toured again in Russia, in Moscow. One of the brightest periods in the life of the theater was associated with the name of Paolo Grassi, who became director of the theater in 1974. It was he who showed the theater to the whole world, organizing large-scale tours. It was he who attracted talented artists and musicians to the theater.
In 1982, the Philharmonic Orchestra was created at Skala. Its first leader is Claudio Abbado, a world-class musician. Orchestra concerts are always holidays for listeners. Since 1986, the theater has been headed by the outstanding conductor Riccardo Muti. The largest conductors Karajan, Zawallisch, Kluytens, Boehm toured in the theater.
In 1955, with the performance of Cimarosa's Secret Marriage, a branch of La Scala, Piccola Scala, was opened. On a small stage with 500 seats, works by composers of the 17th-18th and early 19th centuries, operas intended for small ensembles (chamber orchestra, choir and soloists), as well as compositions by young authors are staged.
On December 7, 2001, the Teatro alla Scala opened the season for the last time with Verdi's Otello. The theater was closed for reconstruction, which took three years (the last reconstruction was after the war). On the outskirts of Milan, in the Bicocca district, in the ultra-modern building of the Teatro degli Arcimboldi, on January 19, 2002, the premiere following Othello took place: La Traviata.
In the first months of 2002, the construction of a new stage and work to renovate the auditorium, offices, and warehouses began. The project coordinator is the Swiss architect Mario Botta. He had to build a new stage structure, outside historical building eighteenth century. The next opening of the season took place in the old building on December 7, 2004 with Antonio Salieri's opera Recognized Europe.
La Scala (full name - Teatro alla Scala) is an opera house in Milan, one of the largest centers of world opera culture. It was opened on August 3, 1778 with A. Salieri's opera Recognized Europe, specially written for this occasion. The building was built in 1776-78 on the site of the church "Santa Maria della Scala" from where the theater got its name. Strict, neoclassical style theater. the building with impeccable acoustics (architect G. Piermarini) was one of the most beautiful in the world. Repeatedly restored During the 2nd World War 1939-45 it was destroyed and restored in its original form by Eng. L. Secchi and rediscovered in 1946.
Until con. 18th century dramas were also staged on the stage of La Scala. performances were performed by T-ra puppet troupes, popular at that time, and others, but opera seasons (“carnival”, “autumn”, “spring”, “summer”) immediately became regular; during the "carnival" season, opera seria and ballets were staged, during the rest of the time ch. arr. - buffa operas. In con. 18 - beg. 19th centuries in the repertoire of "La Scala" - production. ital. composers P. Anfossi, P. Guglielmi, D. Cimarosa, L. Cherubini, G. Paisiello, N. A. Tsingarelli, S. Maira. In 1812, the premiere of G. Rossini's opera The Touchstone took place on the stage of the theater, which marked the beginning of the so-called. Rossini period: "La Scala" first post. his operas Aureliano in Palmyra (1813), The Turk in Italy (1814), The Thieving Magpie (1817), Bianca and Faliero (1819); at the same time t-r set and others already widely known products. Rossini. Also for the first time there was a post. operas by J. Meyerbeer "Marguerite of Anjou" (1820) and "Exile from Grenada" (1822) and most significant. prod. S. Mercadante - "Elisa and Claudio" (1821) and "The Oath" (1837).
Since the 30s. 19th century the history of La Scala is connected with the work of the largest Italian composers - G. Donizetti, V. Bellini, G. Verdi, G. Puccini, many others. prod. to-rykh were post. here for the first time, incl. "Pirate" (1827) and "Norma" (1831) Bellini, "Lucretia Borgia" (1833); Oberto (1839), Nebuchadnezzar (1842), Otello (1887) and Falstaff (1893) by Verdi, Madama Butterfly (1904) and Turandot (1926) by Puccini. In the 2nd floor. 19th century and in the 20th century the basis of the repertoire is still made up of works. ital. composers, incl. Boito's "Mephistopheles" (1868), "La Gioconda" (1876), "Marion Delorme" (1885) by Ponchielli, "Valli" by Catalani (1892), "André Chénier" by Giordano (1896) and many others were first performed. operas by F. Cilea, F. Alfano, I. Pizzetti, O. Respighi, A. Casella, J. F. Malipiero and others. prod. world classics and modern. composers. For the first time in Italy t-r staged the operas Faust (1862), The Nuremberg Mastersingers (1889), Siegfried (1899), Parsifal and Rhine Gold (1903), Eugene Onegin (1900), The Queen of Spades (1906) ); "Salome" (1906), "Electra" (1909) and "Der Rosenkavalier" (1911) by R. Strauss, "Pelleas and Mélisande" by Debussy (1908), "Boris Godunov" (1909) and "Khovanshchina" (1926); " short life» de Falla (1934), Britten’s Peter Grimes (1947), Janacek’s Cunning Chanterelle (1958), Prokofiev’s The Love for Three Oranges (1947), Katerina Izmailova (1964) and others. The first fast. the operas Triumph of Aphrodite by Orff (1953), David by Milhaud (1955), Dialogues of the Carmelites (1957) and The Human Voice (1959) by Poulenc, Atlantis de Falla (1962).
Outstanding Italians performed at La Scala. and foreign singers: in con. 18 - beg. 19th centuries - C. Gabrielli, A. Catalani, F. M. Festa, I. Colbran, J. B. Rubini, L. Lablache, A. Tamburini; from the 30s 19th century - Giuditta Grisi, J. Pasta, Giulia Grisi, M. Malibran, J. Strepponi, A. Cotogni; in the 70-90s. 19th century - T. Stolz, I. Campanini, S. X. Gaillarre, A. Patti, F. Tamagno, M. Battistini, E. Calve, X. Darkle, N. Melba, R. Storchio, A. Bonci, E. Giraldoni , E. Carelli; from the beginning 20th century - E. Caruso, Titta Ruffo, De Luca, R. Straccari, N. De Angelis, M. Barrientos; in the 10-20s. 20th century - L. Bori, C. Galeffi, C. Muzio, T. Skipa, B. Gigli, G. Bezanzoni, T. Dal Monte, A. Pertile; from the 40s 20th century - M. Caniglia, G. Di Stefano, M. Del Monaco, M. Callas, R. Tebaldi, G. Simionato, F. Barbieri, G. Guelfi, B. Christov, G. Shutti, G. Tucci, F. Corelli and many others. others; here they sang Russian. artists - F. Litvin, F. I. Chaliapin, L. V. Sobinov, Ukrainian. singer S. A. Krushelnitskaya. In the 19th century the largest conductors worked in the t-re - F. Faccio, L. Mugnone, E. Mascheroni, R. Ferrari. In 1898-1903 and 1921-29 Ch. the conductor of La Scala was A. Toscanini, with the activity of which the highest flowering of the theater is associated. Toscanini's successors were A. Guarnieri and V. De Sabata. In the 40-60s. 20th century the conductors V. Gui, A. Votto, G. Santini, C. M. Giulini, G. Gavazzeni, N. Sanzogno, F. Molinari-Pradelli, and others performed regularly here. conductor t-ra - C. Abbado.
Theatre. The season at La Scala runs from December to June. In autumn, symphonic events are held in the t-re. concerts. Most means. productions of the 60s and 70s. - "La Boheme" (1963), "Ring of the Nibelung" (1963); Macbeth by Verdi (1964), Khovanshchina (1967 and 1971), Boris Godunov (1967); The Daughter of the Regiment by Donizetti (1968), The Siege of Corinth (1969; for the first time in the 20th century) and The Barber of Seville (1969) by Rossini, Norma (1972). In the troupe of t-ra (1975): singers - F. Barbieri, F. Cossotto, I. Ligabue, L. Maragliano, R. Orlandi-Malaspina, M. Rinaldi, A. M. Rota, M. Siegele, R. Scotto , M. Freni; singers - C. Bergonzi, I. Vinko, V. Ganzarolli, J. Guelfi, N. Giaurov, K. Cava, R. Capecchi, P. Cappuccili, L. Pavarotti, B. Prevedi, J. Raimondi, M. Sereni, D. Chekkele and others. Well-known zarubs also perform in the t-re. singers - T. Bergansa, P. Glossop, R. Crespen, P. Lorengar, M. Caballe, B. Sile, P. Domingo, R. Massard, B. Nilsson, L. Price, J. Sutherland, M. Talvela, S. Yurinac and others; conductors - G. Karajan, A. Kluitens, V. Zavallish, J. Pretr and others. the singer who performed at La S. was T. A. Milashkina (Battle of Legnano by Verdi, 1961). V.-K. L. Noreika (“Madama Butterfly”, 1966), I. K. Arkhipova (“Khovanshchina”, 1967, 1971; “Boris Godunov”, 1967, 1973), M. S. Reshetin (“Khovanshchina”, 1967), L A. Nikitina (“Boris Godunov”, 1967), V. A. Atlantov (“Tosca”, 1975), E. V. Obraztsova (“Werther”, 1976). From the 60s. young Soviet singers trained at La Scala.
T-r periodically goes on tour (Austria, Germany, Great Britain, West Berlin, Germany, Belgium, Canada). In the autumn of 1964, an exchange tour took place - La Scala in Moscow and big t-ra in Milan, which served as the beginning of creativity. cooperation between two teams; in 1974 La Scala again toured Moscow.
Dec 26 In 1955, the performance of "The Secret Marriage" by Cimarosa opened a branch of "La Scala" - "Piccola Scala". Here, on a small stage (a hall for 500 seats), productions are staged. composers 17-18 and early. 19th century, operas intended for small ensembles (chamber orchestra, choir and soloists), as well as Op. young authors. Among the operas staged in the 60s - early. 70s on the stage of Piccola Scala: Rossellini's The Language of Flowers (premiere, 1963), Milhaud's The Unfortunate Orpheus, Poulenc's Theresia's Breasts, Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses, Testi's At the Bottom (after M. Gorky; premiere, 1966), Heroes of Bonaventure by Malipiero (premiere, 1969), Britten's The Turn of the Screw.
V. V. Timokhin
History of ballet
Since the founding of the La Scala theater, ballet has occupied a significant place in its repertoire. On the opening day, along with Salieri’s opera Recognized Europe, the following ballets were shown: Salieri’s Pafio and Mirra, or Prisoners of Cyprus (choreographer Legrand) and Pacified Apollo, or the Appearance of the Sun after the Fall of Phaeton de Bayou (choreographer G. Canziani).
The first decades of the theater's existence are closely connected with the activities of choreographers: G. Angiolini (1779-1803 intermittently), D. Rossi, P. Franchi, F. Clerico, L. Dupin, G. Monticini, U. Garcia and G. Gioia.
At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, the following dancers worked here: Vulcani, Pelosini, R. Clerico-Pantseri, C. Pitro-Angiolini, A. Trabattoni, T. Monticini, T. Coralli, F. Angiolini; dancers - the brothers Vulcani, Fabiani, Franchi, G. Vestris; decorators - P. Gonzago, K. Cacchaniga, F. Fontanesi, G. Galliari and others.
In the 19th century, the La Scala troupe became one of the centers of ballet art in Europe. In 1813, a ballet school was founded at the theater, where L. La Chapelle, C. Villeneuve, and Garcia taught. Since 1812, S. Vigano worked in the troupe, staging his choreo-dramas: The Creations of Prometheus (1813), The Hussites near Neuburg (1815), Othello, or the Venetian Moor (1818), The Vestal Virgin (1818), "Titans" (1819), "Joan of Arc" (1821) - all on Sat. music
The largest dancers performed on the stage of La Scala: F. Cerrito (1838-43), M. Taglioni (since 1841), F. Elsler (1838-48). In 1837-50, the La Scala school was headed by C. Blazis (together with A. Ramacchini), after him - O. Yus.
In the second half of the 19th century, choreographers P. Taglioni, G. Casati, A. Cortesi, I. Monplaisir, J. Rota and others worked at La Scala, whose productions marked the crisis of romantic ballet. Ballet extravaganzas were staged by L. Manzotti (“Excelsior”, 1881; “Love”, 1886; “Sport”, 1897) and his successors and epigones - A. Coppini, J. Pratesi and others.
At the same time, the ballet school brought up a galaxy of outstanding dancers who gained wide popularity: G. Salvioni, R. Sangalli, F. Brambilla, A. Grassi, A. Bella, C. Cherry, C. Brianza, P. Legnani, V. Zucchi .
Since the end of the 1990s, the ballet troupe and the school have experienced a long period of stagnation. A new stage in the development of the ballet school began with the arrival of O. I. Preobrazhenskaya as a teacher, and then E. Cecchetti (1925-28), who was replaced by C. Fornaroli (1928-33).
In the 1930s and 1940s, the troupe was replenished with talented dancers. In the 50-60s, the school was headed by E. Balns, from the mid-70s - by A. M. Prina.
The revival of ballet at La Scala is associated with the arrival of choreographer A. Millos (1924-75, intermittently), who staged ballets by I. F. Stravinsky, B. Bartok, S. S. Prokofiev and modern Italian composers (A. Casella, G Petrassi, F. Malipiero, L. Dallapiccola, V. Bucca, L. Berio, R. Vlad, N. Rota and others).
Artists worked in the theater: M. Pompei, G. De Chirico, E. Prampolini, R. Guttuso, N. A. Benois and others.
Since 1976 the troupe has been led by P. Dobrievich. The repertoire includes ballets of classical heritage: "Coppelia", "Giselle", " Swan Lake”,“ Nutcracker ”; productions by J. Balanchine, M. Bejart, S. Lifar and others.
Among the productions of the late 70s (in brackets are the names of the choreographers): Daphnis and Chloe (1975, Zh. Skibin); "Symphony of Psalms" to the music of Stravinsky (M. Shparemblek), "The Tempest" to the music of Sibelius (L. Guy), "Othello" to the music of Dvorak (J. Butler), "Romeo and Juliet" (R. Fashilla after J. Cranko ) - all in 1976; "Cinderella" (P. Bortoluzzi); "Don Giovanni" by Gluck, "Riot of Sisyphus" by Petrassi (Millosh) - all in 1977.
In the troupe (1977): soloists - L. Cosi, L. Savignano, A. Accola, M. Cavagnini, B. Geroldi, R. Kovacs, E. Morini, A. M. Razzi; soloists - R. Fashilla, M. Pistoni, A. Moretto, D. Morganti, P. Podini, B. Telloli, B. Vescovo.
Ballet troupes and soloists from other countries performed at La Scala.
The world-famous La Scala Opera House is located near the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), where the Milan Cathedral(Duomo di Milano).
The theater was built in 1778 when Salieri's opera Recognized Europe was staged on its stage. Since then, La Scala has enjoyed unsurpassed popularity among all connoisseurs of opera.
The history of the La Scala theater
The architect of the La Scala opera house was Giuseppe Piermarini. According to his project, in just two years, between 1776-1778, a neoclassical theater building was built, which was considered one of the most elegant and beautiful in the world.
The opening took place on August 3, 1778. The first production on the new stage was Antonio Salieri's opera Recognized Europe. The theater immediately became the center secular life Milanese aristocracy.
Special acoustics
An exceptional characteristic of the theater was its unique acoustics, created by the talent of the architect, as well as the presence of a special portal for the supply of carriages.
The opera hall was shaped like a horseshoe, 100 meters long and 38 meters wide. Lodges were located in the form of 5 tiers.
Also in the interior of the theater there were buffets and gambling rooms.
Restoration
During the Second World War, the La Scala theater was almost completely destroyed, but by 1946 the engineer L. Secchi managed to restore it to its original form.
Since then, the theater has been restored several times. The last restoration work was carried out by the architect M. Botta in the period from 2001-2004, when, in particular, the number of seats for spectators was reduced and the design of the stage was redesigned.
Repertoire of the Teatro alla Scala
From the late 18th and early 19th centuries, operas by Italian composers such as P. Guglielmi, P. Anfossi, L. Cherubini, S. Maira, G. Paisiello were staged on stage.
At the same time, from the beginning of the 19th century, operas by Gioacchino Antonio Rossini made up a significant part of the repertoire. The composer's debut at the La Scala began with the opera The Touchstone, followed by productions of Aurelian in Palmyra, The Turk in Italy, and The Thieving Magpie.
Also, since the 1830s, the theater's repertoire was supplemented by operas by Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini. It was on the stage of La Scala that many operas by these brilliant composers first saw the light, including:
- "Norma" and "Pirate" Bellini,
- Othello and Falstaff by Verdi
- Lucrezia Borgia by Donizetti
- "Turandot" and "Madama Butterfly" Puccini.
In modern times, you can see classical productions by Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Bellini, Gounod, Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Donizetti, Mussorgsky on stage.
The opera season at La Scala traditionally begins on December 7th and ends in June. In the autumn, you can listen to symphony concerts performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra on the stage of the theater.
Artists
The Star Opera House keeps the history of performances of the most brilliant opera singers and singers of all time. The famous G. Pasta, the Grisi sisters, M. Malibran, Anna Boleyn, Favorite, Lucrezia Borgia, Linda di Chamouni and many others performed on its stage.
In the 20th century, the La Scala theater enjoyed the singing of the famous:
- Zinka Milanova,
- Maria Callas (Maria Callas),
- Renata Tebaldi,
- Mario Del Monaco,
- Tamara Sinyavskaya,
- Elena Obraztsova,
- Enrico Caruso,
- Luciano Pavorotti,
- Placido Domingo (Placido Domingo),
- Jose' Carreras
- Fedor Chaliapin and others.
Architecture
The building of the La Scala theater was built in neoclassical style and its facade looks rather restrained. But the interior of the theater is striking in its luxury and magnificence.
Photo: Moreno Soppelsa / Shutterstock.com
It has everything that a theater should have: huge mirrors that reflect the richly decorated interior decoration, gilded decorations on the walls and skillful stucco, velvet-covered seats.
The chic atmosphere of the theater immerses the viewer in the atmosphere of the aristocratic brilliance of the best operatic traditions of Italy. World stars and true connoisseurs of art come to La Scala to enjoy the perfect performance of famous operas by the first artists of our time.
legends
According to legend, during the construction of the site for the construction of the La Scala theater, a marble slab was discovered on the site of the church, which depicts the famous mime of the times of Ancient Rome - Pylades.
The builders took this event as a sign indicating the choice of a suitable place for the construction of the theater.
Ticket price for La Scala theater
If you do not apply for seats in the stalls on the opening day of the season, then it is quite possible to buy a ticket for the performance you are interested in at an affordable price and enjoy the magnificent action on stage.
The cost of a ticket to the theater varies from 20 euros and can reach 200 euros and more, depending on the chosen place and season.
The most expensive traditionally are the seats in the box, on the gallery, in the stalls, the front rows in the boxes. Also, a significant amount of money will have to be spent if you plan to visit the theater on the opening day of the season.
The La Scala theater in Milan is considered one of the most famous in the world, it is rightfully called the pride and opera pearl of Italy. Thousands of tourists annually seek to visit La Scala and see the performance of opera and ballet stars.
The name of the theater is associated with the ancient Milanese church, which was located on this site several centuries ago - Santa Maria della Scala. The theater was named after her. Although many people think that “scala” in Italian means “stairs”, therefore the name somehow correlates with this word.
The theater certainly deserves great attention not only as the greatest object of culture and art - from the point of view of its history, it is also quite interesting.
General view of the theater "La Scala" on google-panorama
Tickets for La Scala Theater in Milan
Tickets for an opera, ballet, symphony orchestra concert cost an average of 30 to 400 euros. The price, of course, depends on the seat you choose: the cheapest tickets are in the so-called "blind zone" of the amphitheater, which is located at a considerable distance from the stage (the last rows); tickets to the stalls are more expensive, but the spectator sitting in front can also block your view; the most sought-after and expensive tickets are in the central boxes: there is an excellent view of the stage.
A 25% discount is available for any performance on any day for teenagers under 18 years old, students under 26 years old, pensioners over 65 years old. In the theater, you need to present not only a ticket, but also a document that allows you to book a seat at a reduced price.
Tickets can be purchased at the theater box office at the entrance, or you can buy online - through the official website of La Scala. Each ticket is personalized, so before buying you will have to fill out a small form with your data. For this reason, the ticket cannot be resold.
Tickets to the La Scala Theater Museum
You can also purchase tickets to the La Scala Museum and a tour of the theater and its workshop. A ticket to the museum for an adult will cost 9 euros, for a group of 15 people - 6 euros for each (schoolchildren over 12 years old, pensioners over 65 years old can purchase tickets at the same price); schoolchildren under 12 years old, disabled people, guides will pass free of charge.
It is possible not to stand in a long line at the box office and book tickets for a group of tourists or schoolchildren on the site.
For a fee (3 euros each), you can rent virtual reality glasses and use them to imagine yourself as a world-famous singer or dancer performing on the legendary La Scala stage.
Theater tours
As for theater tours, the prices are as follows: standard guided tour (45 minutes) for a group of up to 20 people - 25 euros each; a more complete and detailed tour (approximately 60 minutes) for a group of up to 20 people - 50 euros each. For those who want to book an exclusive tour (duration - 90 minutes), the ticket will cost 500 euros for a group of 1 to 5 people and 1000 euros for a group of 5 to 10 people. You will be guided through the theater, and access to the museum will also be open. Tours are held at a time when there are no performances and rehearsals. The guides speak English, Italian and French. You can also go to the theater with an organized tourist group with a Russian-speaking guide (this service is not available on the theatre's website, for this you will need to contact a travel agency or a Russian-speaking guide for help).
Tickets to the workshop "Ansaldo" for adults - 25 euros; for a group of 4 to 20 people - 15 euros per person; excursion for a group of schoolchildren (maximum 25 people) in Italian - 100 euros, in other languages - 130 euros. Free ticket for people with disabilities. You need to book tickets for a tour of the workshop in advance on the website (2 days before the visit).
Taxi
Uber services are available in Milan, so you can call a taxi anywhere in the city through the mobile app.
Theater "La Scala" on video
Any tourist, even before his foot sets foot on Italian soil, plans what sights he would like to visit. Naturally, each person has his own tastes and preferences, but some memorable places are simply impossible to ignore. One of the visiting cards of Italy in general, and Milan in particular, is the Mecca of opera art - La Scala Theatre.
The history of Teatro La Scala is full of mysteries and incredible twists and turns. Even the very name of the theater is not as simple as it seems at first glance. The Italian term "scala" in translation means "ladder", but it was not at all such a prosaic object that inspired its creators.
The theater building was erected on the site of the ancient Milanese church named after Santa Maria della Scala. Dated from the second half of the 14th century, this church had its patroness - Beatrice Regina from the noble family of della Scala.
In February 1776, a tragic accident caused a fire to consume the Royal Ducal Theatre. The idea of creating a new theater was favorably received by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. She wanted Milan to retain the glory of the capital of Italian opera.
Development architectural project was engaged Giuseppe Piermarini, and in the middle of 1776 a grandiose construction was launched. All work, starting with clearing the territory and ending with the final polish, took 2 years. The exclusive merit of the respected architect and his team was the elegant neoclassical style of the building, equipped with a special portal for the supply of horse-drawn carriages. And the amazing acoustics of the hall has become a legend for centuries.
opera theater
The opera hall was made in the form of a huge horseshoe (100 x 38 m), equipped with a classic tiered model of the arrangement of boxes (5 tiers and almost two hundred boxes). Considering that each box could accommodate up to 10 visitors, the total capacity of the theater was impressive.
The external severity of the theater building emphasized the wealth and beauty interior decoration. The decoration, made in light and warm golden tones, struck with its elegance.
Meanwhile, the interior of the building provided for a number of entertainments for the elegant public, such as gambling rooms and buffets.
The most noble families of Italy, imbued with love for the theater, invested an impressive amount - about a million lire to create La Scala.
And for the greater pleasure of the regulars, not only chamber productions took place within the walls of the theater, but also such extravagant events as bullfighting and big card gatherings. In fact, the theater becomes the center of secular and cultural life countries.
The path to glory itself famous theater opera, La Scala began on August 3, 1778. The event was magnificently decorated and was marked by the premiere of the opera Recognized Europe. A. Salieri specially created his work for this important day for the European theatrical world. Following the opera, several ballet performances were staged. The invariably full hall showed that the public favors the new theater, regardless of estates and ranks.
The term "opera theater" itself implied the presence of a permanent troupe, opera vocalists, its own orchestra, conductor and, of course, a director.
Since opera was at the forefront in Teatro La Scala, his activity was divided into several seasons - spring, summer, autumn and the carnival season. The first three seasons contained serious writing, while the carnival season punctuated lighter plots with theatrical performances and ballet.
At the beginning of the 19th century, a significant part of the della Scala repertoire consisted of the works of the great master of bel canto - Rossini. It was he who introduced the vogue for multifaceted vocal technique and opera seria (serious opera). The debut of Gioacchino Antonio Rossini on the stage of La Scala was the opera Touchstone. In the next 13 years, Aureliano in Palmyra, the Maiden of the Lake, the Turk in Italy, Cinderella, the Barber of Seville, Othello sounded within the walls of the theater.
Beginning in 1822, the theater's repertoire was replenished with works by Bellini and Donizetti. In the center of the performances were the famous opera divas - M. Malibran, J. Pasta, both Grisi sisters. The creative union of composers and the talent of the performers doomed each new production to success. Until 1850, within the walls of della Scala, opera seria and opera buffa shone like diamonds - Anna Boleyn, Lucrezia Borgia, Favorite, Linda di Chamouni, Daughter of the Regiment by Donizetti. As well as the best works Bellini - Capuleti and Montecchi, Somnambula, Beatrice di Tenda, Puritans.
At one time, the brilliance of Italian opera and the magnificent social events that took place in Della Scala turned the heads of the English poet Byron, the French writer Stendhal and made an indelible impression on the Russian composer Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka. The latter's acquaintance with the composers Bellini and Donizetti greatly influenced Glinka's musical views and helped him turn into a full-fledged master of the musical staff. Subsequently, Glinka will write his best works in the Italian style.
With the arrival of the virtuoso Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi at La Scala, Italian opera becomes the main art of the country and even Europe. In addition to purely aesthetic pleasure, the Italians received an emotional message for the unity of the nation, a call to free themselves from the power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Verdi skillfully disguised revolutionary impulses in the historical plots of his works, but the title of "maestro of the revolution" was firmly entrenched in him. Joan of Arc, Oberto, Count di San Bonifacio, Nabucco, Falstaff belong to his pen. Creativity Verdi was a resounding success and transformed the essence of the theater. Rejecting lightness and fun, the viewer listened to the fiery speeches of a true patriot of his country.
The appearance of the young Arturo Toscanini at La Scala is both an incredible coincidence and fate. The former conductor of the theatrical orchestra did not meet the needs of the noble public and was expelled in disgrace. Then Toscanini was invited to the podium, who, despite his 20 years, became famous for his performance of the opera Aida. Expressive and charismatic, Toscanini effortlessly won the love of jaded theatergoers.
Arturo Toscanini becomes the conductor and artistic director of the opera house, which predetermined great changes in the life of della Scala. The ebullient activity of the maestro touched on everything from lifting the curtain - not horizontally upwards, but moving it vertically, to the obligatory rule to hand over hats to the wardrobe in order to guarantee a good view of the spectators sitting in the back rows of the stalls.
Taking as a basis the creative heritage of Giuseppe Verdi, Toscanini constantly worked on updating the theatrical repertoire. It was he who came up with the idea to turn to the opera created by Robert Wagner. In addition, the orchestra's repertoire has significantly expanded due to symphonic works. And only a clash with the new Italian government, which adheres to National Socialist views, forces Toscanini to leave La Scala and move to the USA.
Clouds of political intrigues were gathering more and more over Europe, they did not bypass Italy either. In 1943, during World War II, the famous La Scala opera house was destroyed. However, the troupe continues to rehearse in difficult military conditions and give performances on the stage of other institutions. The restless Toscanini, even abroad, does not stop worrying about his offspring.
In 1945, after the liberation of Italy, Toscani contacts the city authorities of Milan and sends them a million lire for the reconstruction of the theater.
Like the phoenix, in 1946, La Scala rises from the ashes of war to restore to the Italians the love of opera, the thirst for life. Naturally, Arturo Toscanini again became the master of the orchestra and the strict genius of the theater. The post-war decline affected the cast of the troupe; in subsequent years, della Scala turns into a forge of theatrical talents.
In 1948, Guido Cantelli made his debut as a conductor at the opera house. The lively manner of managing the orchestra, passion and undoubted talent were appreciated by Toscanini. In his incomplete 20s, Cantelli organizes a cycle of opera performances based on the work of Wagner and Verdi, gives a number of joint concerts with other respected maestro - Herbert von Karajan, Dmitry Mitroupolos and Bruno Walter.
In addition to the drama written by the composers, serious passions begin to boil on the stage of La Scala - the greatest opera divas of the 20th century, Maria Callas and Renata Tibaldi, are fighting for the title of prima. The difficult nature of Callas makes her little popular among the members of the troupe, but the directors like the amazing artistry of the singer. In 1955, Maria Callas performed the leading role in G. Verdi's opera La Traviata. The interpretation of the work by director Visconti helped Callas turn into the goddess of opera, become the face of La Scala.
At dawn in 1957, Arturo Toscanini, the man who had done so much for della Scala, died. Until 1965, the place of the conductor was occupied by various musical figures, but no one took root for a long time. Claudio Abaddo, who conducted for the first time at the Milan Opera House, showed an interesting presentation of material and great potential. He owns the following successful productions - The Barber of Seville, The Italian in Algiers, Cinderella, Macbeth, Simon Boccanegra and other works. In 1972, Abaddo became the chief conductor of La Scala. At the same time, many symphony concerts are given at the opera, ballets are staged with the involvement of Italian and foreign stars.
Artists who performed at La Scala
In the second half of the 20th century, the cradle of opera strives to become closer to the public. Stars of the world opera - Placido Domingo, Montserrat Caballe, as well as Russian voices - Fyodor Chaliapin, Tamara Milashkina, Leonid Sobinov, ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, ballet dancer - Rudolf Nureyev, performed within the walls of della Scala. In parallel with this, the theater troupe regularly tours Europe, visited the USA and Canada.
The modern look of La Scala
In the post-war years, the Teatro della Scala went through several renovations. The last of these was started in 2001 by the architect Mario Botta and lasted until 2004. In particular, it was redesigned main stage theater, which can now accommodate up to three acts at the same time. Apart from construction works and restoration of interiors, the total number of seats for spectators was reduced in the theater. Modern fire safety requirements have left 2030 seats at the mercy of the audience. The horseshoe of the hall stretched along the royal box, stalls and five tiers of boxes. True connoisseurs of opera prefer to settle in galleries, where, in their opinion, the best acoustics are observed.
Today, like several centuries ago, the La Scala Opera House begins its season on December 7, on the feast of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of the city of Milan. All winter, until June, the theater is the temple of the opera. In autumn, the time for symphony concerts begins, which are given by the Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1982. In addition, the theater has its own choir and ballet troupe.
Repertoire
The modern repertoire of the theater is designed for the most diverse tastes, here you can go to the production of the classics - Verdi, Wagner, Puccini, Bellini, Rossini, Gounod, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Donizetti. However, new trends are also not alien to theater directors, fashionable novelties and alternative reading famous works regularly present in the repertoire of La Scala.
Ticket price and booking
The cost of tickets to La Scala ranges from 29 to several hundred euros. Locations with good overview will cost big money. The most valuable seats are in the stalls, on the gallery, front rows in boxes. On the opening day of the season, the most striking and expected action takes place, which can only be looked at by laying out an impressive amount. Reservations and tickets are made using the theater's online system or directly in Milan. However, the opera La Scala is valued above all earthly riches, you should take care of tickets in advance.
Find a hotel near La Scala theaterTheater address
Museum of La Scala
In conclusion, it is worth mentioning that at della Scala there is a museum filled with beautiful, amazing and wonderful things that are directly related to the life of the theater. On the walls of the museum you can see portraits of famous opera divas. The canvas depicting G. Pasta in the costume of Anne Boleyn, written by K. Bryullov, is especially popular. In addition, the exposition includes busts of several prominent composers, the death mask of G. Verdi, models for the most outstanding productions and other memorable exhibits. The ticket price for the La Scala Theater Museum is 6 euros.
Attractions located near La Scala Theater
A leisurely walk from the walls of the theater along an alley decorated with mosaics will lead to the square where it is located (Doumo). The Gothic medieval building impresses with lancet peaks of the roofs and rich decoration. Another interesting attraction is located nearby - this is a monument to the Italian inventor, artist and scientist,.
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One of the main attractions of Milan is the world-famous La Scala Theatre. In appearance, it practically does not differ from most buildings in the city - monumental walls "three windows high", columns, cornices. At the time of construction, there was no square in front of the building, and external elegance was not particularly required. Now Piazza della Scala has become an ornament. In the center, immersed in the greenery of trees, framed by flower beds with colorful flowers, there is a monument to Leonardo da Vinci by the famous sculptor Pietro Magni. Neat benches are located on cozy alleys. Rest in this place gives considerable aesthetic pleasure.
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Dress code
All this chic splendor reflects the solid conservatism traditional for La Scala. Since ancient times, the public visited the theater not only for the performance. New outfits, hairstyles, furs and diamonds were shown before the performance by eminent and not very ladies, who, in turn, boasted of noble gentlemen. Business meetings were held here, secular conversations were conducted.
The lodges are connected by a corridor, where snacks and various drinks were always sold. Many members of the elite spent time here, and not in auditorium. Nowadays, everything is also practiced dress code. In jeans and without a tie, they are simply not allowed here, and women must be in dresses.
Museum
Although you can touch the legend, the La Scala brand, in the museum. History is created by individuals. There are plenty of those in this theatre. The passions that have simmered behind these scenes for more than two hundred years, and continue to simmer even today, give rise to a mass of legends, sometimes even implausible, but always amazing. The exhibits collected here tell about the events associated with the greatest triumphs and ordinary performances of the most gifted artists.
From the museum there is an exit to the hall, where curious sightseers can see the famous stage. At a small table in a theater cafe, one can feel the atmosphere in which ideas for the next masterpiece creations were discussed thousands of times.
How to get there
The theater is located at: Via Filodrammatici, 2. If you are walking along the square in front of the Duomo, then you only need to go through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II). So you can go straight to the opera house.
If you take the metro, you can get off at any station: Duomo, Montenapoleone or Cordusio. Each of them is located at the same distance from the place you need.
Are you planning to take the tram? Then you need transport following the route number 1 or 2. Get off at the stop Manzoni Scala or S.Margherita Scala.
Working hours
Daytime concerts start at 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm, evening concerts at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The Theater Museum is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. There is a break for one hour from 12:30. Days off: 7.12, 24-26 December, 31.12, 1 January, Easter, 01.05 and 15 August. The cost of a ticket to the museum for an adult is 7 euros. Children under 12 years old are admitted free of charge.
Ticket prices for La Scala
Ticket prices vary considerably. The lowest ticket price for an opera is 11 euros, the highest is 2000. The cost of tickets for a ballet starts from 5 euros and the upper threshold is 250 euros. The cheapest concert ticket starts from 5 euros, the most expensive ticket will cost 40 euros. Tickets to Symphony Orchestra vary from 6.5 to 85 euros.
You can buy tickets on the official website of the theater - teatroallascala.org. If you are interested in a specific date, we recommend that you take care of the purchase in advance, and closely monitor the start of sales. Please note that there is a fee for booking online. The fact is that resellers know their business and make good money on tourists. If you did not have time to purchase the coveted ticket, come to the theater on the day of the concert a few hours in advance. Of course, there will be many who want to buy a ticket there, so do not yawn.
