WGBH Radio WGBH Radio theclassicalstation.org

Verdi: Rigoletto / Levine, Chernov, Studer, Pavarotti, Et Al


Release Date: 10/20/1998 
Label:  Deutsche Grammophon   Catalog #: 447064   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:  Cheryl Studer,  Luciano Pavarotti,  Roberto Scandiuzzi,  Denyce Graves,   ... 
Conductor:  James Levine
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Metropolitan Opera Chorus,  Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Number of Discs: 2 
Recorded in: Stereo 
Length: 1 Hours 55 Mins. 

Back Order: Usually ships in 2 to 3 weeks.  
ADD CD TO CART
On sale! $33.98
CD:  $27.99
Back Order
WISH LIST




Be the first to review this title

Notes and Editorial Reviews

RIGOLETTO is a masterpiece of Verdi's early mid-career, when his aim was to shake the opera world with works of visceral force based on unpretty, seemingly unoperatic subjects. It tells a lurid tale of sexual libertinism, deceit and murder, centering on the hunchback Rigoletto, who is not a noble character. Even the most beloved of its arias, "La Donna e mobile," disdainfully rips womankind. Of course this is the young Verdi in full flower, the unpleasantness is brilliantly calculated and it's all delivered with unforgettable impact.
In this performance we have James Levine and his Metropolitan Opera forces, a cast led by Vladimir Chernov in the title role, Cheryl Studer as Gilda and Luciano Pavarotti as the Duke for the third time on Read more record. With such players you'd expect knowing competence, and you get it. Chernov has a beautiful baritone, lacking just a measure of malevolence. Studer is lovely and moving in a role for which she is not known, and Pavarotti holds his substantial own in a role for which he is. The sound is excellent, both full and detailed. Read less

Works on This Recording

1. Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi
Performer:  Cheryl Studer (Soprano), Luciano Pavarotti (Tenor), Roberto Scandiuzzi (Bass),
Denyce Graves (Mezzo Soprano), Jane Shaulis (Soprano), Ildebrando D'Arcangelo (Bass),
Dwayne Croft (Baritone), Paul Groves (Tenor), Yannis Yannissis (Bass),
Heidi Grant Murphy (Soprano), Robert Maher (Baritone), Elyssa Lindner (Mezzo Soprano),
Vladimir Chernov (Baritone)
Conductor:  James Levine
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Metropolitan Opera Chorus,  Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: 1851; Italy 
 Date of Recording: 06/1993 
Venue:  Manhattan Center, New York City 
Length: 115 Minutes 4 Secs. 
Language: Italian 

Customer Reviews

Be the first to review this title
Review This Title
Review This Title Share on Facebook