Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of Giuseppe Verdi with "A Verdi Celebration," a captivating collection of some of his most iconic operatic arias and choruses. Released on May 1, 2001, under the prestigious Chandos label, this album spans a rich tapestry of Verdi's compositions, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend drama, passion, and melody.
From the stirring "Chorus of Hebrew Slaves" ("Va, pensiero") from "Nabucco" to the enchanting "Brindisi" ("Libiamo, ne'lieti calici") from "La Traviata," this album offers a comprehensive journey through Verdi's operatic masterpieces. Each track is a testament to Verdi's genius, featuring powerful vocals and orchestral arrangements that bring his compositions to life.
The album includes beloved arias such as "La donna è mobile" from "Rigoletto," "O patria, o cara patria" from "The Sicilian Vespers," and "Il balen del suo sorriso" from "Il Trovatore," as well as poignant choruses like "Miserere" from "Il Trovatore" and "Bella figlia dell'amore" from "Rigoletto." Verdi's ability to convey deep emotion and dramatic intensity is evident in every piece, making this album a treasure trove for both opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers.
With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "A Verdi Celebration" is a perfect introduction to Verdi's extensive repertoire, highlighting his enduring influence on the world of opera. Whether you're a seasoned Verdi aficionado or a newcomer to his music, this album promises an unforgettable listening experience, filled with the rich, resonant tones and timeless melodies that have made Giuseppe Verdi one of the most celebrated composers in history.
2001 Chandos Records2001 Chandos Records
Tracks
Nabucco, Act III: Speed your journey (Va, pensiero), "Chorus of Hebrew Slaves" (Zaccaria, Chorus)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Alistair Miles, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Luisa Miller, Act II: Oft in the quiet evening hour… (Quando le sere al placido) (Rodolfo)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Dennis O'Neill
Ernani, Act I: Darkness has fallen, and Silva's not returned yet (Surta e la notte) (Elvira, Giovanna, Chorus)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, English National Opera Orchestra, Susan Patterson, Helen Williams, English National Opera Chorus
Ernani, Act I: Ernani, Ernani, rescue me (Ernani, Ernani, involami) (Elvira, Giovanna, Chorus)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, English National Opera Orchestra, Susan Patterson, Helen Williams, English National Opera Chorus
The Sicilian Vespers, Act II: Oh, my Palermo (O patria, o cara patria) (Procida)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Alistair Miles, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Rigoletto, Act III: Women abandon us (La donna e mobile) (The Duke)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Mark Elder, English National Opera Orchestra, Arthur Davies, English National Opera Chorus
Il Trovatore, Part IV Scene 1: Lord, have mercy upon a soul departing (Miserere d'un'alma già vicina), "Miserere" (Leonora, ManricGiuseppe Verdi, David Parry, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Dennis O'Neill, Sharon Sweet, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Falstaff, Act III Scene 2: From these true lovers' lips (Dal labbro il canto estasiato), "Fenton's Sonnet" (Fenton)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Bruce Ford
Rigoletto, Act III: If you want a faithful lover (Bella figlia dell'amore) (Maddalena, Gilda, Rigoletto)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Mark Elder, English National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Jean Rigby, John Rawnsley
The Force of Destiny, Act III: In death's awful shadow (Solenne in quest'ora) (Don Carlo, Alvaro)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Anthony Michaels-Moore, Dennis O'Neill
Il Trovatore, Part II Scene 2: In the stars that shine above me (Il balen del suo sorriso) (Count di Luna, Ferrando)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Alan Opie, Clive Bayley
Il Trovatore, Part II Scene 2: The hour has come, no more delay (Count di Luna, Ferrando, Chorus of Retainers)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Alan Opie, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Chorus
I Lombardi, Act II: My heart is full of happiness (La mia letizia infondere) (Oronte)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Dennis O'Neill, London Philharmonic Orchestra
La Traviata, Act III: For ever I must leave thee (Addio del passato) (Violetta, Chorus)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Valerie Masterson, English National Opera Chorus
A Masked Ball, Act II: You love me, love me… (Amelia, tu m'ami?) - Ah! The sweetest glowing fire of love (Ah! qual suave brivido)Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Dennis O'Neill, Susan Bullock
Simon Boccanegra, Act I: A last farewell I bid you (A te l'estremo addio) – My soul is torn with suffering (Il lacerato spirito) (Giuseppe Verdi, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, John Tomlinson, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Otello, Act I: Now in the silent darkness (Già nella notte densa) (Otello, Desdemona, Chorus)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Mark Elder, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Charles Craig, English National Opera Chorus
Otello, Act I: Once when you told me (Quando narravi l'esule tua vita) (Otello, Desdemona, Chorus)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Mark Elder, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Charles Craig, English National Opera Chorus
La Traviata, Act I: Be happy, and raise your glass with me (Libiamo, ne'lieti calici), "Brindisi", (Violetta, Alfredo, Chorus)Giuseppe Verdi, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Valerie Masterson, John Brecknock, English National Opera Chorus