Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Giuseppe Verdi's operatic masterpieces with "Verdi per due," a captivating album released in 1998 under the Warner Classics label. This exquisite collection features the renowned soprano Angela Gheorghiu and tenor Roberto Alagna, accompanied by the Berliner Philharmoniker and conducted by the esteemed Claudio Abbado. The album spans a rich tapestry of Verdi's most celebrated works, including excerpts from "Don Carlo," "I Lombardi alla prima crociata," "Simon Boccanegra," "Otello," "I vespri siciliani," "Rigoletto," "Aida," "I masnadieri," "Il trovatore," and "La traviata."
Recorded in February 1998, "Verdi per due" offers a meticulously crafted selection of 19 tracks, each showcasing the profound emotional depth and dramatic intensity that Verdi is celebrated for. The album's duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes provides a comprehensive journey through Verdi's operatic genius, highlighting the intricate interplay between the vocalists and the orchestral arrangements.
From the hauntingly beautiful duets of "Don Carlo" to the passionate arias of "Rigoletto" and the grand choral pieces of "Aida," this album encapsulates the essence of Verdi's musical legacy. The performances by Gheorghiu and Alagna are nothing short of breathtaking, their voices blending seamlessly with the orchestral brilliance of the Berliner Philharmoniker under Abbado's masterful direction.
"Verdi per due" is a testament to the enduring power of Verdi's compositions, offering both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers an unforgettable listening experience. Whether you are drawn to the romantic allure of "La traviata" or the dramatic fervor of "Otello," this album promises to captivate and inspire.
Verdi: Don Carlo, Act 5: "È dessa! … Un detto, un sol" (Don Carlo, Elisabetta)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: Don Carlo, Act 4: "Ma lassù ci vedremo" (Elisabetta, Don Carlo)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: I Lombardi alla prima crociata, Act 3: "Oh belle, a questa misera" (Giselda, Oronte)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: I Lombardi alla prima crociata, Act 3: "All'armi! Che ascolto!" (Coro, Oronte, Giselda)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, London Voices
Verdi: Simon Boccanegra, Act 1: "Cielo di stelle orbato" (Gabriele, Amelia)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: Simon Boccanegra, Act 1: "Vieni a mirar a cerula" (Amelia, Gabriele)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: Otello, Act 1: "Già nella notte densa" - "Mio superbo guerrier!" - "Venga la morte!" (Otello, Desdemona)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: I vespri siciliani, Act 4: "Pensando a me!" - "Or dolce all'anima" (Arrigo, Elena)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: Rigoletto, Act 1: "Giovanna, ho dei rimorsi" - "Signor né principe" (Gilda, Giovanna, Duca)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, Sara Mingardo
Verdi: Rigoletto, Act 1: "È il sol dell’anima" (Duca, Gilda)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: Rigoletto, Act 1: "Che m’ami, deh ripetimi" (Duca, Gilda, Ceprano, Borsa, Giovanna)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, Brian Parsons, Rodney Gibson, Sara Mingardo
Verdi: Rigoletto, Act 1: "Addio! speranza ed anima" (Gilda, Duca)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: Aida, Act 4: "La fatal pietra sovra me si chiuse" (Radames, Aida, Coro)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, London Voices
Verdi: Aida, Act 4: "O terra, addio, valle di pianti" (Aida, Radames, Amneris, Coro)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, London Voices, Sara Mingardo
Verdi: I masnadieri, Act 3: "Qual mare, qual terra da me t'ha diviso?" (Amalia, Carlo)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: I masnadieri, Act 3: "Qui nel bosco? Solinga? Smarrita?" (Carlo, Amalia)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: I masnadieri, Act 3: "Lassù risplendere più lieta e bella" (Amalia, Carlo)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Verdi: Il trovatore, Act 4: "Miserere d'un'alma già vicina" - "Quel suon, quelle preci solenni" (Coro, Leonora, Manrico)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, London Voices
Verdi: La traviata, Act 1: "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (Alfredo, Violetta, Coro)Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, London Voices