DVD - OPUS ARTE
Verdi's first published opera, written in his 20s, already shows the instinctive melodic gift and heightened sense of drama which was to make him a giant among composers of grand opera. Set in 13th century Italy, Oberto was first performed at La Scala, Milan in 1839 - 54 years before his last opera was premiered there - and prepared the way for a lifetime's work which would culminate in some of the finest music ever written. Recorded with High Definition cameras and with full multi-track surround sound.
Press Reviews
"Verdi's first opera launches the ambitious Tutto Verdi project in the capital of the Basque Country, Bilbao, supported by an international committee including Claudio Abbado, Carlo Bergonzi and Riccardo Chailly. Yves Abel achieves optimum directing, rhythmic sense and ideal control of dynamics without renouncing to the boldness of this already fascinating young Verdi.
Ildar Abrazakov achieves a personal triumph...his fantastic tessitura, interpretation, vocalization, and his privileged timbre, make this young bass a precious element." (L'Opera)
"...Yves Abel's propulsive conducting in this Bilbao performance makes a positive case for the score... Ildar Abrazakov brings gravitas and warmth to the title role... and the soprano Evelyn Herlitzius is compelling as Oberto's daughter, Leonora. " (BBC Music Magazine)
"...shot through with genius and is recognizably Verdi's from the first slashing phrase... " (New York Times)
Cast
Ildar Abdrazakov (Oberto)
Evelyn Herlitzius (Leonora)
Carlo Ventre (Ricardo)
Marianne Cornetti (Cuniza)
Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias; Yves Abel
Production
Company: Ópera de Bilbao
Stage Director: Ignacio García
Sets and costume design: Domenico Franchi
Light design: Vinicio Cheli
Disc Information
Catalogue Number: OA0982D
Date of Performance: 2007
Running Time: 152 minutes
Sound: DTS Surround; LPCM Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic
Subtitles: EN, FR, DE, ES, IT
Label: Opus Arte
