VERDI - Don Carlo
Verdi had already based three operas based on Schiller when he turned to set the epic story of Don Carlos. It was first performed in Paris on 11 March 1867 to a French libretto; this was in five acts. Some revisions were made for Naples in 1872, and then in 1884 Verdi recast the work in four acts for La Scala in Milan. This, now standard, is the version heard here, in a recording that preserves Franco Zeffirelli’s spectacular 1992 production at La Scala. Luciano Pavarotti takes the title-role, with Samuel Ramey as the father (Philip II) to whom, following from a political deal, he has lost his fiancé Elisabetta di Valois (Daniela Dessì). The other major roles are taken by Luciana d’Intino as Eboli, Paolo Conti as Don Carlo’s friend Rodrigo, and Alexander Anisimov as the implacable Grand Inquisitor. Riccardo Muti clearly revels in Verdi’s passionate score and in this he is supported by the brilliant chorus and orchestra of La Scala, Milan.

0946 3 58631 2 3 (3CDs)
0946 3 58631 5 4 (Digital Download)