Experience the grandeur of Giuseppe Verdi's operatic masterpieces reimagined for orchestra with "Verdi Without Words." This captivating 1995 release from Telarc, conducted by Erich Kunzel and performed by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, offers a unique perspective on Verdi's iconic works. The album spans a diverse range of Verdi's operas, from the stirring marches of "Aïda" to the poignant arias of "La traviata" and the dramatic choruses of "Nabucco."
Each track is meticulously arranged by Kunzel and Charles Beck, highlighting the orchestral brilliance of Verdi's compositions. The album opens with the triumphant "Grand Entrance" from "Aïda" and takes you through a journey of Verdi's most beloved pieces, including the famous "Anvil Chorus" from "Il Trovatore," the haunting "Ave Maria" from "Otello," and the stirring "Va, pensiero" from "Nabucco."
"Verdi Without Words" is a testament to the enduring power of Verdi's music, showcasing his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his orchestrations. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a classical music newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's performance is nothing short of spectacular, bringing Verdi's compositions to life with precision and passion. With a duration of just over an hour, this album is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of opera without the need for vocal performances.
Aïda, Act I: Grand Entrance - "Su! Del Nilo al sacro lido" - "Ritorna vincitor!" - "L'insana parola" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Aïda, Act I: "Celeste Aïda" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Aïda, Act II: "Gloria all'Egitto" - Egyptian March - "Vieni, o guerriero vindice" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Otello, Act IV: "Ave Maria" - Final Scene (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Il Trovatore, Act II: "Vedi! Le fosche nolturne spogile" (Anvil Chorus) [Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck]Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Il trovatore, Act III: "Dì quella pira" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata: Prelude (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: Introduction (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: "Brindisi" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: Waltz (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: "Un dì felice" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: "Sempre libera degg'io" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act II: "Di provenza il mar, il suol" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Rigoletto, Act I: "Questa o quella" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Rigoletto, Act II: "Caro nome" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Rigoletto, Act IV: "La donna è mobile" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Rigoletto, Act IV: "Un di, se ben rammentomi" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Falstaff, Act III: Finale. "Tutto nel mondo è burla" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Nabucco, Act III: "Va, pensiero" (Prisoners' Chorus) [Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck]Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel