Giuseppe Verdi, one of the most influential composers in the history of opera, saw the premiere of his last opera, Falstaff, at the renowned La Scala opera house in Milan. The opera is a comedic adaptation of Shakespeare's play, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and is noted for its lively characters, intricate plot, and rich linguistic texture. Verdi, who was already in his eighties and had announced his retirement, returned to composition to create this gem of the operatic repertoire. The choice to adapt a Shakespearean work demonstrates Verdi's continuous engagement with literature and the arts throughout his career.

The premiere on September 2, 1893, was performed to an enthusiastic audience. Verdi's previous operas had established him as a master of both tragic and comic genres, and in Falstaff, he deftly combined humor with musical sophistication. The opera lacks the conventional tragic hero seen in his earlier works, particularly in operas like La Traviata or Aida, instead offering a festive exploration of folly, love, and rivalry through the character of Sir John Falstaff.

Critically, Falstaff utilized innovative orchestral colors and textures, showcasing Verdi's maturity as a composer. His ability to weave melodic lines and harmonies into a vibrant fabric was visible in this opera, which would later influence other composers. The premiere solidified not only Verdi's position as the leading figure in opera at the time but also paved the way for the development of comic opera in the following century. Falstaff remains a staple of the operatic canon, performed in theaters worldwide, continuing to resonate with audiences today.