Verdi - I Vespri Siciliani

Amazon.com I Vespri Siciliani ("The Sicilian Vespers") dates from 1855, immediately after the composition of Verdi's three most popular operas, Rigoletto, Il trovatore and La traviata. It marks a crucial stage in his artistic development but has not been very popular for various reasons: it was composed, in French, for a premiere in Paris, but is now usually sung in a slightly ill-fitting Italian translation; it is expensive to produce (including a lavish ballet, which was mandatory for Paris productions); and it marked a change to Verdi's later style, which has greater depth but less mass appeal. Its first video recording--visually lavish and generally well-sung--includes all the ballet music, which is often reduced or omitted, and (for reasons that are not entirely clear--maybe a preference for 19th-century costumes) updates the action from the 13th century to the Napoleonic era. Riccardo Muti conducts with his usual energy and polish, and he has a great orchestra and chorus. A production in French would be welcome, if (improbably) the right voices could be found. --Joe McLellan Product Description Giuseppe Verdi's "I Vespri Siciliani" epitomizes the elegant style of the Paris Opera. Set in Sicily at the twilight of the French occupation, the opera swirls with intimate ensembles, splendid public scenes, and heroic public choruses. Under the direction of Riccardo Muti, the La Scala orchestra delivers a blazing tour de force in the large ensemble scenes and sensitive intimacy to the quieter moments. An excellent cast features soprano Cheryl Studer as Elena and tenor Chris Merritt as Arrigo. In this extraordinary La Scala production, the rarely seen third-act "Ballet of the Four Seasons" is superbly danced by superstars Carla Fracci and Wayne Eagling.
ASIN: 6305089566
VSKU: DBV.6305089566.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Giorgio Zancanaro|Francesco Musinu|Enzo Capuano|Chris Merritt|Cheryl Studer|Gloria Banditelli|Paolo Barbacini|Ferruccio Furlanetto|Marco Chingari|Ferrero Poggi|Ernesto Gavazzi|Christopher Swann|Eugne Scribe|Carla Fracci
Binding: Dvd
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!