Tossup

An opera by this composer ends with a declaration that “he laughs well who laughs the final laugh,” (10[1])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 (10[1])sings the “Ave Maria” before being strangled to death. (10[1])Until 2015, performers at the Met wore blackface to play a character in an opera (10[1])by this (10[1])composer who stabs himself next to his wife Desdemona. For 10 points, name this Italian composer (10[1])whose Shakespearan operas (10[1])include Macbeth and Otello. ■END■ (0[2])

ANSWER: Giuseppe Verdi [or Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi]
<MY, Other Fine Arts>
= Average correct buzz position

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