Simon Boccanegra

Fathers and history loom large, both onstage and off, in the new La Scala staging of the Verdi opera “Simon Boccanegra,” running in Milan for seven performances from Feb. 1 to 24.

But the 1971 production is seen by many as a late triumph for “Simon Boccanegra.”

Much of the challenge of “Simon Boccanegra” is the plotline, which has a poignant father-daughter relationship at its core.

But despite a slightly better reception, “Simon Boccanegra” faded from the La Scala lineup while other Verdi operas like “Don Carlo,” “La Traviata” and “Otello” packed the house.

In addition to Mr. Abbado and Mr. Viotti, “Simon Boccanegra” has remained an important opera for many, including the baritone Luca Salsi, 48.