Tossup

An opera by this composer ends with a declaration that “he laughs well who laughs the final laugh,” which is then repeated in a fugue. Leonie Rysanek substituted for Maria Callas in the 1959 Met premiere of an opera by this composer, performing as a character who was also one of Shirley Verrett’s first soprano roles. The title character of an opera by this composer sings about the meaning of “honor” while drinking at a Windsor inn. In an opera by this composer, (10[1])a character sings the “Ave Maria” before being (10[1])strangled to death. Until 2015, (-5[1])performers at the Met wore blackface to play a character in an opera by this composer who stabs himself next to his wife Desdemona. (-5[1])For 10 points, name this Italian composer whose Shakespearan operas include Macbeth (10[1])and Otello. ■END■ (10[2]0[2])

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