The Epic Barnstar
		Dear Brian, I want to thank you for all the most excellent work you have done recently to rewrite the article on the Australasian Antarctic Expedition; it was epic in its own right! I, for one, very much appreciate the many improvements you have brought to the article. Thank you for all your contributions to our encyclopedia. With kind regards; Patrick. ツ Pdebee.(talk)(become old-fashioned!) 22:54, 30 November 2019 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for your kindness. I've always felt that this expedition got less recognition than it deserved, particularly in the UK – perhaps this will help to redress the balance, somewhat. Brianboulton (talk) 11:22, 1 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

For everything you done mate. All the best to you and yours. ——SN54129 16:28, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

I have just received an email from Brian's daughter to say that he died peacefully on 9 December, following a long illness. Requiescat in pace. 106 FAs, 2 FLs, gawd knows how many source and prose reviews at FA, and countless numbers of editors helped, encouraged and improved over the years. A good friend to all who met him, and this place is a little less appealing now he won't be here anymore. – SchroCat (talk) 16:49, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• I've never met Brian, but have followed his work here on this Wikipedia Project. I always looked forward to his next article which he felt moved to work on. His work is exemplary and worthy of recognition throughout this entire project. He will be surely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. HJKeats (talk) 17:10, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• So sad, no words, or perhaps just your words just above: "Thank you for your kindness". You generously shared the sources you collected for Vespro della Beata Vergine, - the work on it is dedicated to your memory. We learned a lot from you. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 17:11, 10 December 2019 (UTC) · Today: eight years since "not lost" --Gerda Arendt (talk) 09:46, 8 February 2020 (UTC)[reply]

• This is devastating news. I was fortunate to have met him and I shall cherish it always. A fabulous writer and a lovely man. Thank you for your work Brian. My very best wishes to his family at this difficult time. Cassianto^Talk 17:44, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• A lovely person, funny, wise, patient and helpful. Wikipedia owes him much, and so do I: he was a mentor to me, he taught me such a lot, and I shall miss him dreadfully. The world is a better place for Brian's sixty-something years of being in it. I hope it is of some small comfort to Brian's family to know how deep the affection and respect for him were here. Bless you, dear Brian! Tim riley talk 17:56, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• May Mors guide him safely to the afterlife. Ealdgyth - Talk 18:16, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• BB was an extraordinary contributor, and I cherish the interactions I had with him here. His work enriched this encyclopedia and its mission. -- Ssilvers (talk) 19:03, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• Thanks for all your help in the past. --Rschen7754 19:23, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• Extraordinarily sad news. A special Wikipedian. My deepest sympathy to friends and family. MarnetteD|Talk 19:31, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• My heart sank as I read this very sad news just now. I thought I’d found another wonderful, dedicated fellow editor with whom to develop a working relationship on Antarctic explorations, and I’d only just awarded him the above barnstar a week ago. I am so sad, and wish to send my condolences to his family and friends. Farewell, Brian; you will be missed by all who knew you. — Patrick. Pdebee.^{(talk)(become old-fashioned!)} 19:39, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• I did have the privilege of meeting him once. An immense loss to his family, and also to Wikipedia. Gave generously of his time and advice to the end. It's stunning knowing that there will never be more pithy, to the point comments over his signature.--Wehwalt (talk) 21:51, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I winced. A colleague in every sense of the word. - Dank (push to talk) 22:10, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• This is sad news. I also only had the pleasure of meeting Brian once, but it was a great pleasure indeed. On Wiki, we had more encounters, in which his knowledge, his depth of understanding, his compassion and his tolerance shone through. His contribution to this place is self-evident, through his FAs and his incredible industry, but also through the spirit of collaboration he exemplified so well. KJP1 (talk) 22:14, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• Sorry for the loss of this excellent Wikipedian. My thoughts go out to his friends--seems like there are many. Enwebb (talk) 22:18, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• I have had the benefit of several of his rigorous but good-spirited source reviews. One of my proudest Wikipedian moments was when Brian wrote "A clean bill of health ... Very professionally done" in a source review of one of my FACs. The thought that I shall not have another opportunity to prove myself worthy of him is thoroughly depressing. The world is poorer. Gog the Mild (talk) 22:25, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Wow. Very sad news indeed. He will be greatly missed. Hawkeye7 (discuss) 23:39, 10 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Very sad - I only met Brian once, but saw him a good deal online. A great Wikipedian, who has already been greatly missed since he reduced his editing, and will continue to be. All best wishes to his family, Johnbod (talk) 01:37, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• See also: Wikipedia_talk:Featured_article_candidates#Brian_Boulton_has_passed_away. Johnbod (talk) 01:50, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• This is incredibly sad news. Goodbye, Brian, and thank you for everything you did here. With thoughts and best wishes to his loved ones, SarahSV ^(talk) 04:04, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Not only was Brian an incredible writer and reviewer, but he had that amazing quality of being able to get more out of those around him. His work at FAC over countless years has vastly improved Wikipedia for the better, and I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Harrias ^talk 10:29, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• A sad loss. Brian was one of the finest editors we've had, as well as one of the pleasantest people I've met here. Mike Christie (talk - contribs - library) 11:33, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I'm really upset to hear this. I met Brian once at the "Wehwalt Arms" a few years back where we were glad to see him after a round of ill health, and it was genuinely nice to speak to him and hear his enthusiastic words about various articles he had worked on. His writing and track record of FAs is incredible, and he is one of the most talented and patient Wikipedians I have known. Please give my condolences to his family. Ritchie333 ^{(talk) (cont)} 14:41, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Brian was a brilliant contributor and a highly accomplished writer. I once suggested to him the he should consider applying to be a Mastermind contender with the Antarctic expeditions of Scott et al. as his specialist subject. But his renowned modesty prevailed and he claimed he new very little about the subject – despite his numerous Featured Articles on the subject. Brian and I joined Wikipedia around the same time and Brian's gentle manners combined with his powerful intellect was one of the reasons why I decided to stay. I thought that if all Wikipedia editors were as kind and gifted as this man, I would love it here. I am deeply saddened and I will miss him so much. Goodbye dear Brian. Graham Beards (talk) 15:22, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Devastated. A kind, expert, willing and helpful Wikipedian, par excellence. This place will be far the worse without him. I do hope his family see these messages and realise how much his onwiki 'family' appreciated him too. I can only imagine how much someone with such a kindly footprint on the internet must have been loved in real life. --Dweller (talk) Become old fashioned! 15:32, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

  I told User:The Rambling Man offwiki of Brian's sad passing and he asked me to pass on his condolences too. --Dweller (talk) Become old fashioned! 22:11, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

• I'm very sorry to hear this. --Tryptofish (talk) 18:19, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I'm deeply grateful to have worked with Brian at FAC and peer review and elsewhere. He was incredibly erudite, incredibly productive, incredibly steady: a great editor. Finetooth (talk) 20:20, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I am so sad. Brian was so giving of his time and talent - it was such a pleasure to have worked with him and he will be sorely missed. Ruhrfisch _><>°^° 20:26, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• A true gentleman and a scholar who was unending helpful and always led by example. Once had the pleasure of meeting him, and hew be sorely missed. Ceoil (talk) 21:54, 12 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Thanks to everyone for their moving tributes to Brian; it means more to us than we can say. We are amazed to see how widely he was loved and respected by this community, and so happy to know that so many people have him in their thoughts. We have created this user page to upload one or two more photos of Brian (but the account needs to be confirmed first). We are also creating a memorial page which we will share on our user page in the next few days when it is ready. We always knew that Brian was an extremely kind and clever man, but seeing his contributions to this project have shown us just how generous and (more surprisingly!) patient he could be too. Brianboulton's Family (talk) 13:03, 12 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Dear @Brianboulton's Family: I am sorry for your loss. He had a mild-mannered indirect way of offering criticism. He was very generous. He was highly intelligent. Those are the things I remember. Fowler&fowler«Talk» 01:42, 13 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• So sorry to hear this -- the place really will not be the same without Brian. I envy my colleagues who had the chance to meet him in the flesh. It was entirely natural and appropriate that he was the driving force behind the FAC Mentoring Scheme, as he was really a mentor to us all. My sincere condolences to his family -- he will be greatly missed. Ian Rose (talk) 13:17, 13 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Very sorry to hear. A great guy to work with. Always helpful and very productive. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:09, 13 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• All my condolences to you. He has had a lasting positive impact on all of those, myself included, who interacted with him. His legacy lives on in wikipedia at large.Iry-Hor (talk) 21:14, 13 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I just saw the sad news on the FAC talk page. Brian had an incredibly deep commitment to improving the quality of pages on Wikipedia, through his content work and reviews of articles. He is undoubtedly one of the best editors Wikipedia has ever seen, and all of us will miss him. If his family is still watching this page, please accept my condolences, and rest assured that Brian has left a lasting legacy on the site. Giants2008 (Talk) 22:45, 13 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Condolences. This is terribly sad news; Brian will certainly be sorely missed. Connormah (talk) 22:56, 13 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I am so sorry. Brian was a great, friendly Wikipedian. He will be missed. GermanJoe (talk) 23:14, 13 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I cannot begin to say how sorry I am. I had the privilege of meeting Brian and his daughter in London once, and this news breaks my heart. Brian was an amazing man and a true scholar, and the world is a lesser place without him. If his family and friends are reading, please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. He is a man I will truly never forget. User:Kafka Liz ^{a girl is no one} 23:28, 13 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• My deepest condolences to Brian's family. He was without a doubt the finest editor that Wikipedia has seen. Not only for his many wonderful articles which combined meticulous scholarship with clear and engaging writing but also for his unfailing kindness, civility, and collaborative spirit. He has left a beautiful legacy not only to us, his fellow Wikipedians, but also to thousands of ordinary readers around the world. We shall not see his equal again. Voceditenore (talk) 06:53, 14 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Brian taught me and many others a lot, it will be difficult to fill out the void he left, if even possible. FunkMonk (talk) 17:21, 14 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• RIP Brianboulton, one of the finest editors this site ever had. I knew you weren't well but I didn't realise you didn't have much time left. If I'd known I'd have spoken to you before you passed and thanked you. We spoke many times privately and always found you to be a classy guy and always the voice of reason. Thankyou for your fine contributions and expert guidance with Featured Articles and TFA. We will all greatly miss you Brian.♦ Dr. Blofeld 13:48, 15 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Such a loss. Thank you for all you did. Alanscottwalker (talk) 13:48, 16 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• RIP Brian, Thank you for your contributions to the project, My sincere condolences to friends and family at this difficult time. –Davey2010^Talk 15:32, 17 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I am very sorry to hear of Brian's loss. He was, without a doubt, one of the finest and most eloquent editors in the history of Wikipedia. He built a lasting legacy of high quality writing on the encyclopaedia that will live on. Thank you for all your time volunteering Brian. MWright96 (talk) 15:53, 17 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I can only echo what others have said. Brian was a huge help to me when I first started on WP, and was unfailingly full of wise advice whenever asked. I was lucky enough to collaborate with him on one article, and it was a rare honour. My deepest sympathy to his family, and I hope it is a small comfort to see how fondly he is remembered here by so many people grateful to have known him. Sarastro (talk) 21:39, 17 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• This is indeed a sad loss. I am very sorry. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 06:24, 18 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Sorely missed, and I'm heartbroken to hear this. SounderBruce 02:54, 19 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I am so sorry to hear this. I only now found out - and yes, he will be very sorely missed. Rest peacefully Brian. — Ched (talk) 18:13, 19 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Thank you for the time and encouragement you so generously gave us. Struway2 (talk) 18:28, 19 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I am shocked and greatly saddened to hear this. An irreplaceable editor with the highest of personal and professional standards – he will be most sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to friends and family. DBaK (talk) 10:20, 20 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• My condolences to his loved ones and friends. He was among one of the best collaborators to FAC process, from my limited interactions with him. His role was literally quite irreplaceable, and I will miss him and his insightful inputs. epicgenius (talk) 18:54, 20 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Though I only worked with him once, he and his great contributions—especially those at FAC—will be missed by many. Condolences to his friends and family; rest in peace. ComplexRational (talk) 15:20, 23 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I'm very sorry to hear this. My condolences. Double sharp (talk) 06:26, 24 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• I remember how Brian would also take his time on articles I've nominated for FA to ensure quality. RIP Brian, you will be missed. Erick (talk) 23:44, 25 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• About five years ago I became more involved on Wikipedia and requested a peer review of an article I had been working on. After waiting a few weeks, Brian noted that I had waited long enough and provided a review. His detailed feedback and graceful criticism there and on future GA/FA reviews were instrumental in my development both as a Wikipedian and a writer in general. He showed resilience in continuing to contribute to the project despite his illness. He will be greatly missed. Tonystewart14 (talk) 08:28, 26 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Thank you, Brian Boulton. --maclean (talk) 02:01, 28 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Late to hear about this and I don't think I ever interacted with Brian directly, but I've seen his name around many times. His work on Wikipedia has done a huge amount of good, and will continue to be of huge benefit to our readers. He will be missed, and my condolences to his family and all who knew him. — Bilorv (talk) 01:53, 29 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Just this day became aware of his passing. My condolences to his RL family and his WP friends. ―Buster7 ☎ 00:27, 30 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Someone so special can never be forgotten. ~~ CAPTAIN MEDUSA^talk 01:47, 31 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]
• Thank you Brian for what you've given to the world by your volunteering here at Wikipedia! Your influence will be felt by countless readers over generations. Your family should be proud of what you've done, which is altruism of the highest order. Rest easy. Jason Quinn (talk) 08:25, 2 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• Sad - will be missed Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 10:28, 2 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• So sorry to hear about Brian, we have a dearth of those with his skills and good humour. All the best: Rich Farmbrough, 23:21, 5 January 2020 (UTC).[reply]
  
• Condolences to the family and the en.wiki community. --Camelia (talk) 11:44, 6 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• Greatly saddened to hear this news, which I only just found out about. A few months ago, I had noticed his recent return to one of his topic areas with his work on Australasian Antarctic Expedition and List of members of the Australasian Antarctic expedition. I had been looking forward to more, but it was not to be. I will always remember watching in awe as he wrote articles such as those in his sandboxes. He had a real talent for writing and he was amazingly generous with his time for reviewing articles. RIP Brian. Condolences to his family and friends, and thank you to his family for sharing their memories of him with us. Carcharoth (talk) 18:02, 6 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• I never met him or had much interaction on Wikipedia, but his work speaks for him now that he is gone. · · · Peter Southwood ^(talk): 09:01, 7 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• Very sad to see this. Interaction with him was always an enjoyable and fruitful experience, and his opinions and contributions were always well-considered and respectful of other editors. A great loss for everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, even via the internet. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Constantine ✍ 20:14, 10 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• I greatly appreciated Brian's many source reviews of articles I've put up for Featured. He was always patient and respectful but exacting. Vale Brian. Peacemaker67 (click to talk to me) 23:37, 10 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• I wish I knew him before he passed away. May he rest in peace. 100.15.148.22 (talk) 21:33, 13 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• Brian helped me with comments on my first featured article. His wisdom, calm manner and constructive approach were invaluable. Per Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by featured article nominations, Brian created the third-highest number of featured articles in Wikipedia's history. Thank you Brian for all your contributions to Wikipedia. Onceinawhile (talk) 18:30, 27 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• Sad news. RIP. Double sharp (talk) 16:56, 29 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• I'm back after a 10 year hiatus. I see user names and I can't really remember why I liked one and disliked another back in the day. Brian was one that I liked. Peregrine Fisher (talk) 03:21, 1 February 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• This is very sad news indeed. Requiescat in pace. Lord Sjones23 (talk - contributions) 21:06, 5 February 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• this is very sad news. I am touched and inspired by the depth and profundity of his work and his creative efforts here. he will be greatly missed. --Sm8900 (talk) 01:52, 11 February 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• I have only just seen this. I had the good fortune to meet Brian, as well as a relative of his (a daughter, I think) nearly three years ago in London. Good man, longstanding Wikipedian. A loss that he has now died. Best wishes to his family. Acalamari 09:38, 3 April 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• I also have only just seen this, and although I never met Brian in person, I have many affectionate memories of his personable presence here on Wikipedia. Best wishes from [an ex regular editor] MistyMorn (talk) 15:37, 5 April 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• He was a great editor. May he rest in peace. ~ HAL333 16:08, 27 April 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• A meaningful loss. CMD (talk) 12:09, 23 May 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• Man didn't deserve to die. RIP ~ AC5230 talk 01:46, 23 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• I was recently reading through Brian's painstaking review of the lengthy Franz Kafka article from some time ago. I cannot remember seeing such dedication to the project and commitment to improving the quality of articles, as Brian maintained towards his work here. We are surely poorer for our loss, but richer for having Brian as our inspiration for what can be achieved here with civility, humor, patience and a willingness to help others. RandomGnome (talk) 07:13, 19 August 2020 (UTC)[reply]
• "Never Forget You" – Mariah Carey. Though I may not have known this sooner, I have recently discovered lots of your work especially in FA reviews (where I was paying more attention to). RIP, you are an inspiration to us all. Vincent^LUFan (talk) (Kenton!) 14:54, 25 August 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Dear colleagues,
I wanted to create something by which we could all commemorate our friend Brian and, although userboxes are often used for frivolous purposes, it occurred to me that it would be meaningful simply to display the following userbox on our user pages:

This Wikipedian remembers Brian Boulton.

To add this userbox to your page, just apply: {{User:Pdebee/UBX/Remembers}}
With kind regards;
Patrick. Pdebee.^{(talk)(become old-fashioned!)} 01:46, 11 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

Brian, we miss you

Yes. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 07:40, 12 December 2019 (UTC)[reply]

Impact

Thank you for your impact
leaving us highest standards for creative content creation, gentle quality reviewing and respectful attitude!

Dear colleagues,
Since Brian's final contribution here was his rewrite of Australasian Antarctic Expedition, might it be a fitting tribute to his memory if one (or more) of you with the required expertise would nominate that article for GA, and possibly FA soon thereafter?
Thank you for giving this a thought, and for your consideration.
With kind regards;
Patrick. ツ Pdebee.^{(talk)(become old-fashioned!)} 19:52, 5 February 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Done. Skipped the GA bit though. Yomangani^talk 16:41, 6 February 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you so much, Yomangani! Speedy Gonzalez!!! ... And with some very entertaining edit summaries, too, which I dare say Brian would have enjoyed! . (I was typing this in, but your edit beat me to it; thank you once more!)

With kind regards; Patrick. ツ Pdebee.^{(talk)(become old-fashioned!)} 16:53, 6 February 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Claudio Monteverdi (15 May 1567 – 29 November 1643) was an Italian composer, string player and maestro di cappella. A composer of both secular and sacred music, and a pioneer in the development of opera, he is considered a transitional figure between the Renaissance and the Baroque periods of music history. He was a court musician in Mantua (c. 1590 – 1613), and then maestro di cappella at St Mark's Basilica in the Republic of Venice. His surviving music includes nine books of madrigals, in the tradition of earlier Renaissance polyphony – but also experimenting with the basso continuo technique, distinctive of the Baroque – as well as large-scale sacred works, including the Vespro della Beata Vergine (Vespers for the Blessed Virgin), and three complete operas. His music enjoyed a rediscovery from the 1880s onwards, and he is now seen as a significant influence in European musical history. Seven of his operas have been lost, but his L'Orfeo (1607) is the earliest opera that is still widely performed. (Full article...)

In memory of Brian who wrote it. I boldly nominated Monteverdi's Vespers for FAC. Aza24 has plans to make his operas a featured topic. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 07:33, 16 May 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Aurora anchored off the western base

The Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911–1914), headed by Douglas Mawson, explored the largely uncharted coast of Antarctica due south of Australia. Mawson was inspired to lead his own venture by his experiences on Ernest Shackleton's Nimrod expedition in 1907–1909. During its time in Antarctica, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition's sledging parties covered around 2,600 miles (4,180 km) of unexplored territory. Its ship, SY Aurora (pictured), navigated 1,800 miles (2,900 km) of unmapped coastline. Scientific activities included meteorological measurements, magnetic observations, an expansive oceanographic program, and the collection of many biological and geological samples, including the discovery of the first meteorite found in Antarctica. The expedition was the first to establish and maintain wireless contact between Antarctica and Australia. Its broad exploration program laid the groundwork for Australia's later territorial claims in Antarctica.

Wikipedia:Featured topic candidates/Operas by Claudio Monteverdi/archive1, nominated by Aza24 in memory of Brian's birthday --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:45, 4 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Awesome

Ten years!

Related to the operas: the nomination is still open, and the list article is scheduled to appear on the Main page on 21 August. I believe the blurb in the FTN is the better one. Thoughts welcome. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 06:17, 3 August 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Update: Monteverdi's operas are a featured topic now!! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:00, 3 August 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Today's Wikipedian 10 years ago, again today --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Claudio Monteverdi

Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643) composed ten operas, a genre that emerged while he was a court musician in Mantua. His first opera, L'Orfeo, premiered in 1607 and became the first opera still in today's repertoire. The music for seven of his opera projects is mostly lost. Four of these were completed and performed, while he abandoned the others at some point. Libretti have survived for some of them, as well as fragments of the music for L'Arianna and Proserpina rapita. Monteverdi composed operas for a theatre in Venice when he was master of music at San Marco, including Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria in 1640 and L'incoronazione di Poppea in 1643, both of which also remain in the repertoire. (This list is part of a featured topic: Operas by Claudio Monteverdi.)

See Wikipedia:Today's featured list/August 21, 2020 and 21 August 2020. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 06:49, 21 August 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Vespro della Beata Vergine

Magnificat from the alto partbook of Monteverdi's Vespro della Beata Vergine kept in the Vatican Library

This article is about the Vespers for the Blessed Virgin, or Vespers of 1610, by Claudio Monteverdi. His opera L'Orfeo, premiered in 1607, is the first opera still widely performed, and the Vespers are similarly exceptional. Monteverdi, aspiring to a better positiom than court musician in Mantua, demonstrated the broad range of his abilities, writing with a post in Rome in mind, but instead went to San Marco, Venice, a few years later. We don't know if the music was ever performed completely during his lifetime, nor if he actually expected it to be performed that way. Certainly musicologists and musicians have been fascinated from the 20th century on. Monteverdi set much more text than the usual 5 psalms + Magnificat, and required a 10-part choir in one psalm, and a rich orchestra. He combined the ever-present Gregorian chant with dramatic and virtuoso elements from the emerging opera, and offered a great diversity in musical styles and expression. Here is a short introduction, - in the background you hear an extreme performance, a recording which renders only the music Monteverdi wrote (and no additions to make it a proper liturgical vespers service), with 10 singers, and soloists for all instruments. I heard them in concert at the Rheingau Musik Festival which will be missed this year.

The article is the work of many over many years ... The main inspiration came from Brian Boulton who wrote the articles about the composer and his operas, and who generously left me the sources he had collected, the greatest honour I received in my ten years here. (from the FAC)

(1 September 2020 - 1 September was the day of the dedication in 1610, and of our concert in 2019)

In gratitude --Gerda Arendt (talk) 06:44, 1 September 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Precious

Nine years!

Your response, Brian, was one of the nicest of by now more than 2,500. "Very much appreciated." - You are remembered with thanks. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:41, 8 February 2021 (UTC)[reply]