For centuries, opera has transcended time and culture by immersing attendees in a stirring world brought to life by music. As opera continues to entertain and move the soul with its bel canto and one-of-a-kind stage spectacle, few stars have shined brighter than iconic Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Recognized for brilliant classics such as Rigoletto, Nabucco, and Aida, Maestro Verdi endures as one of the opera’s most recognizable figures. To celebrate the legendary La Donna è Mobile composer’s 200th birthday, Montegrappa proudly introduces a new limited edition Bicentenario di Giuseppe Verdi pen series.
“True beauty is recognizable in every language and land, and Giuseppe Verdi moved the world with his music, which is still ingrained in our popular culture today,” comments Montegrappa CEO Giuseppe Aquila. “Working in concert with the renowned Superintendency of il Regio and Designer Maurizio Cavazzuti, Montegrappa is honored to craft a masterpiece for the hand worthy of honoring Verdi on his 200th birthday.”
The barrel of the limited edition Giuseppe Verdi pen is formed out of a dignified black resin offset by a striking rhodium trim. The cap’s top is engraved with the Montegrappa logo with a tri-color accent representing Italy. An intricate laser engraving on one side of the cap elegantly bears the likeness of Giuseppe Verdi’s face. The composer’s expressive signature adorns the opposing side. The band on the lower portion of the cap denotes the commemorative dates of 1813-2013, finished with the inscription Bicentario (Bicentennial). In homage to the year of Verdi’s birth, the number of pens crafted for the special Montegrappa limited edition will be 1,813 in total. Of those, 350 will be fountain pens, and another 650 will be roller ball, and the remaining 813 will be twist-action ballpoint pens. A cartridge-converter filling system is fitted to the fountain pen edition, along with a striking rhodium plated 18K gold nib. As with all Montegrappa limited edition series, the Giuseppe Verdi pens are presented in a stately box, perfectly suited to house the opulent writing instrument.
Even as a young child of seven years old, it was clear that Verdi had a deep appreciation and passion for music. As he matured, so did his capabilities. His first complete opera in 1839, Oberto, achieved vital public approval while in Milan. This set the tone for his musical career, and Verdi continued onward with a wealth of magnificent operas over the course of his long life. Through the 1840’s, Verdi gained widespread recognition with Nabucco, I Lombardi, Macbeth, and Luisa Miller.
The momentum continued with Rigoletto (1851), Il Trovatore (1853), La Traviata (1853), Simon Boccanegra (1857), Un Ballo In Maschera (1859), with the latter two famously embroiling Verdi in politics. La Forza Del Destino (1862), Don Carlos (1873), and Aida (1871) premiered abroad in cultural hubs such as St. Petersburg, Paris, and Cairo, continuing his unprecedented triumphs.
Late in life, the prolific Verdi composed Otello (1887), based on Shakespeare’s play. At the age of 80, Falstaff (1893) scored the composer even further acclaim among critics with his latest opus. Quatro Pezzi Sacri premiered in Paris in 1898. The opera would be the famed composer’s final work. Giuseppe Verdi passed away in 1901 with a prolific, celebrated body of unrivaled masterworks.
Verdi would be pleased to know that his last operas are considered by many to be some of his best. Similarly, at Montegrappa the art of creating masterpieces only continues to improve with time.
Since 1912, Montegrappa has been manufacturing high-quality writing instruments in the same historic building in Bassano del Grappa, North East Italy.
Elmo & Montegrappa
Via Ca’ Erizzo 43/45 – 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI) ITALY
Phone: +39 0424 522232 – Fax: +39 0424 523975
Web: www.montegrappa.com – E-mail: contact@montegrappa.com
