Experience the timeless brilliance of Giuseppe Verdi's masterful opera "Rigoletto" with this captivating collection of highlights. Originally recorded in 1960 by Ricordi and reissued in 2000 by Decca, this album showcases an all-Italian cast of principal singers at the peak of their careers, accompanied by the renowned conductor Georg Solti. The opera, set in the 16th-century court of Mantua, weaves a tale of power, deception, and tragedy, brought to life through Verdi's rich and evocative score.
This album features some of the most beloved arias and duets from "Rigoletto," including the famous "La donna è mobile" and the haunting "Cortigiani, vil razza dannata." The stellar cast includes Robert Merrill as the titular Rigoletto, Anna Moffo as Gilda, Alfredo Kraus as the Duke of Mantua, Rosalind Elias as Maddalena, and Ezio Flagello as Sparafucile. Their powerful performances, coupled with Solti's masterful conducting, make this recording a standout in the world of opera.
The album spans approximately 69 minutes, offering a comprehensive overview of the opera's highlights. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection provides an excellent introduction to Verdi's genius and the enduring appeal of "Rigoletto." The high-quality recording ensures that every nuance of the performance is captured, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the dramatic and musical richness of this iconic work.
Rigoletto: Overture (Preludio)Giuseppe Verdi, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 1: "Questa o quella"Giuseppe Verdi, Luciano Pavarotti, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 1: Scena e Duetto. "Pari siamo"Giuseppe Verdi, Sherrill Milnes, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 1: Figlia!....Mio padre!Giuseppe Verdi, Sherrill Milnes, Dame Joan Sutherland, Gillian Knight, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 1: "E il sol dell'anima"Giuseppe Verdi, Luciano Pavarotti, Dame Joan Sutherland, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 1: "Gualtier Maldè...Caro nome"Giuseppe Verdi, Dame Joan Sutherland, Ricardo Cassinelli, John Gibbs, Christian Du Plessis, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 2: "Ella mi fu rapita...Parmi veder le lagrime"Giuseppe Verdi, Luciano Pavarotti, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 2: "Duca, duca!"..."Scorrendo uniti"Giuseppe Verdi, Christian Du Plessis, John Gibbs, Ricardo Cassinelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 2: "Possente amor"Giuseppe Verdi, Luciano Pavarotti, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 2: "Povero Rigoletto!...La rà, la rà"Giuseppe Verdi, Josephte Clement, Christian Du Plessis, Sherrill Milnes, John Gibbs, Ricardo Cassinelli, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 2: "Cortigiani, vil razza dannata...Ebben piango"Giuseppe Verdi, Sherrill Milnes, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 2: "Parla... siam soli" "Tutte le feste al tiempo"Giuseppe Verdi, Sherrill Milnes, Dame Joan Sutherland, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 3: "La donna è mobile" - ExtractGiuseppe Verdi, Luciano Pavarotti, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 3: "Bella figlia dell'amore"Giuseppe Verdi, Sherrill Milnes, Huguette Tourangeau, Dame Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Rigoletto / Act 3: "Della vendetta alfin...Chi è mai"Giuseppe Verdi, Sherrill Milnes, Martti Talvela, Luciano Pavarotti, Dame Joan Sutherland, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge