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, a character sings the “Ave Maria” before being strangled to death. Until 2015, performers at the Met wore (-5[1])blackface to play a character in an opera by this composer who stabs himself next to his wife Desdemona. For 10 points, name (10[1])this Italian composer whose Shakespearan operas include Macbeth and Otello. ■END■ (10[1])

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