Fun Facts

Verdi originally hoped to give his opera the same name as Victor Hugo’s play, The King Amuses Himself. When this title was rejected, he suggested La Maledizione (The Curse), before finally deciding to name the opera after its quasi-protagonist.

Act III of Rigoletto features one of the best-known melodies in all of opera: “La donna è mobile.” The tune has been used in countless advertisements, including ads for Italian cuisine (everything from tomato paste to restaurant chains), body spray, scrubbing bubbles, and chocolate chip cookies—as well as two different Super Bowl ads for Doritos. It has also been featured in movie, television, and videogame soundtracks, such as The Sopranos, Rocky Balboa, Holmes & Watson, and Grand Theft Auto.