Genre:

Opera

Release Date:

May 2013

Number of Discs:

17

Catalog Number:

OA1105BD

The Verdi Edition

​Celebrating the work of Italy’s greatest musical dramatist, this set of 12 operas includes definitive performances from some of the finest Verdi singers of our age, in productions which reflect the contemporary richness of our perspective of the composer as both a man of his time, inspired to reflect the familial tensions and revolutionary fervour of his homeland, andalso a man of theatrical genius as timeless as his adored Shakespeare, whose anti-heroes Macbeth and Falstaff stand asthe poles of tragedy and comedy in this survey of modern stagings.

MACBETH (ROH) / RIGOLETTO (ROH) / IL TROVATORE (ROH) / LA TRAVIATA (ROH) / LES VÊPRES SICILIENNES (DNO) / SIMON BOCCANEGRA (ROH) / UN BALLO IN MASCHERA (TEATRO REAL) / LA FORZA DEL DESTINO (MARIINSKY THEATRE) / DON CARLO (DNO) / AIDA (LICEU) / OTELLO (LICEU) / FASLTAFF (ROH)

Reviews

"...a remarkable Rigoletto...a DVD that has to be in your collection" (International Record Review - Rigoletto)

"Elijah Moshinsky’s production is surely as lively and moving as Verdi’s intricate masterpiece deserves. Jose Cura sizzles. Dimitri Hvorostovsky is everything one could want to see and hear in a Verdi baritone. This new “Trovatore” DVD is a reminder that not every golden age happened long ago." (San Francisco Chronicle - Il trovatore)

"Antonio Pappano takes charge of this revival, searching out the meaning of Verdi's score in a supple, sentient reading that sweeps you along." (The Guardian - La traviata)

"The Netherlands Opera Chorus...remains one of the most musically and dramatically responsive among major companies." (International Record Review - Les vêpres siciliennes)

"Marcelo Álvarez surely has the most beautiful tenor voice to be heard today in any opera house…Violeta Urmana is one of the few dramatic sopranos regularly active just now and it is a pleasure to listen to her in such a demanding part as Amelia...Young Alessandra Marianelli made an exemplary Oscar, both as an actress and as a very accomplished singer. The role fits her like a glove and she was perfect...The orchestra gave a very good performance and the Chorus was on top form." (Seen and Heard International - Un ballo in maschera)

"We have here Verdi's original score, not the later, familiar revision. Moshinsky's staging also recreates the 1862 visuals, which give an exciting account of the quality of a period piece." (BBC Music Magazine - La forza del destino ★★★)

"... an impressive company showcase, full of moments when chorus and orchestra are at full throttle. Whipped up by Antonio Pappano's baton, they sound truly thrilling." (The Guardian - Macbeth)

"... a fabulous summation of Chailly’s qualities as a Verdi conductor...a wonderful piece of stagecraft..." (The Guardian - Don Carlo)

"With stunning costumes, excellent surround sound and a superb cast, this sumptuous production will please any opera fan." (www.new-classics.com - Aida)

"Domingo fans who enjoyed, or missed, the great tenor-turned-baritone singing the title role of Verdi's tragic hero will covet this live DVD recording of the Royal Opera's lavish Elijah Moshinsky staging." (The Observer - Simon Boccanegra)