James Levine, New Philarmonia Orchestra - Giuseppe Verdi: I Vespri Siciliani (1999)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 932 Gb | Total time: 66:26+59:12+61:36 | Scans included
Classical | Label: RCA | # 09026634922 | Recorded: 1973
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 932 Gb | Total time: 66:26+59:12+61:36 | Scans included
Classical | Label: RCA | # 09026634922 | Recorded: 1973
Giuseppe Verdi was commissioned by the Paris Opera to write a grand opera for the Great Exhibition of 1855. The opera's subject was to be the Sicilian Vespers, the infamous massacre of the French by Sicilians in 1282 Palermo. Verdi's librettist for the work was Eugène Scribe and difficulties arose at once. Verdi, who favored lean realistic drama, was handcuffed by the French grand opera formula with its five act form, lavish choruses and ballet. The work with its original French title, 'Les Vêpres siciliennes' premiered to great acclaim but Verdi was never pleased with it. Eventually it was translated into Italian and this is the version that has survived.