In this opera’s climactic scene, the double basses play a muted soli starting on their open E string as the protagonist creeps into the room. As he dies, the protagonist of this opera squeezes out the words “un altro bacio,” (15[1])or “another kiss,” recalling music from the earlier duet “Già (jah) nella notte densa.” Arturo Toscanini played cello in the pit at the 1887 premiere of this opera at La Scala. In Act 4, the female lead sadly repeats the word “salce” (SAL-cheh) in the aria (*) “Piangea cantando,” also known as the “Willow Song.” The villain of this opera sings a blasphemous parody of the Mass by claiming “Credo in un dio crudel.” After this opera’s success, its composer teamed up again with librettist Arrigo Boito to write Falstaff. For 10 points, name this opera by Giuseppe Verdi whose protagonist strangles his wife Desdemona. ■END■