Giuseppe Felice Romani (1788-1865), also known as Felice Romani, was an Italian opera librettist of the 19th century. He was born in Milan and began his career as a lawyer before turning to literature and eventually opera libretto writing.
Romani’s most famous works include the librettos for Bellini’s “Norma” and “I Puritani,” as well as Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” and “La Favorita.” His collaboration with Bellini in particular was highly successful and influential in the development of the Bel canto opera style.
Romani’s librettos were known for their poetic and romantic language, as well as their emphasis on characterization and psychological depth. He was also a master of the “happy ending” and his librettos often featured tragic events that ended with a reconciliation and a celebration of love.
Throughout his career, Romani worked with many of the most renowned composers of his time, including Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi. He had a particular talent for adapting classic and historical plays to the operatic stage, and his librettos helped establish the popularity of historical and romantic themes in opera.
Romani died in Milan in 1865, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and respected librettists of the 19th century. His contributions to the development of the Italian opera libretto and his collaborations with some of the greatest composers of his time continue to be studied and celebrated today.
View our collection of texts written by Felice Romani: https://www.ipasource.com/creator/romani-felice/
Learn more about Felice Romani via Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felice_Romani