Don Carlo

Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)

DESCRIPTION

Herbert von Karajan had the clout to assemble casts of unparalleled prestige, and this performance of Don Carlo is a striking example. With José Carreras, Mirella Freni, Fiorenza Cossotto, Piero Cappuccilli, and Nicolai Ghiaurov in the principal roles, the level of vocal talent is staggering—and even the supporting cast boasts Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Edita Gruberova, and José van Dam. Karajan’s broad tempi never lapse into sluggishness, instead revealing the musical and dramatic architecture of the score with clarity and grace. Carreras delivers a committed and lyrical Don Carlo, even if the role slightly exceeds his natural vocal weight.

Freni is a radiant Elisabetta, her pure tone and understated intensity a perfect match for the role’s pathos. Cossotto, meanwhile, proves once again that she was born to sing Eboli. The sound quality is outstanding.

CAST

Elisabetta di Valois – MIRELLA FRENI
La principessa Eboli – FIORENZA COSSOTTO
Don Carlo – JOSÉ CARRERAS
Rodrigo – PIERO CAPPUCCILLI
Filippo II – NICOLAI GHIAUROV
Il Grande Inquisitore – JULES BASTIN
Un Frate – JOSÉ VAN DAM
Il conte di Lerma – GIORGIO STENDORO
Un Araldo – KLAUS JÜRGEN KÜPER
Tebaldo – EDITA GRUBEROVA
Un voce dal cielo – ANNA TOMOWA-SINTOW

DETAILS

Location: Salzburg
Date: July 26, 1976
Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
Catalogue Number: OD 10205-3
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 3
In Stereo