The Coolidge Corner Theatre

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DON CARLO is possibly the most intense, deep, nuanced, rich, and masterful work of the “mature” Giuseppe Verdi, an extensive and monumental showcase of everything Verdi. It is also the Verdi opera that exists in the most number of versions. The version of this “Grand Opera” is the 1884 Four Acts version that Verdi reduced and changed into Italian from the original 1867 Five Acts version in French.

The story is based on conflicts in the life of Carlos, Prince of Asturias, after his betrothed Elisabeth of Valois was married instead to his father Philip II of Spain as part of the peace treaty ending the Italian War of 1551-1559 between the Houses of Habsburg and Valois.

La Scala put together an incredible team of talents for this opera which inaugurated its 2007-208 season. The conductor is Italian Maestro Daniele Gatti, who has been acclaimed by the Wiener Staatsoper in masterpieces of the German repertoire, and was invited by the Wiener Philharmoniker to join its revered family of directors. Ferruccio Furlanetto, the internationally renowned Italian bass and a master of stage presence, takes on the role of Philip II. Fiorenza Cedolinis, Italy’s most requested soprano who won the Luciano Pavarotti Vocal Competition in 1996, portrays Elisabeth de Valois. Giuseppe Filianoti, the 33-year-old Italian tenor -- who is enjoying well deserved success all over the world -- brings his clear and noble voice to the role of Don Carlo. The great musicality of Slovak baritone Dalibor Jenis perfectly fits the role of Rodrigo. Rounding out the cast are the Finnish Matti Salminen, who brings many years of experience to the role of the Great Inquisitor, and the American Dolora Zajick, the world’s premier dramatic Verdi mezzo-soprano, who sings in one of her signature roles, that of Princess Eboli. The stage direction and the sets are by the young Stephane Braunschweig, the Artistic Director of France’s prestigious Théâtre National de Strasbourg and already the creator of a great number of acclaimed Opera productions.

Opera in 4 acts, approx 3h10m. Performed at Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Dec 2008

This clip from You Tube is not from this production. However, it showcases Performers:

Music: Giuseppe Verdi; Libretto: François-Joseph Mery and Camille Du Locle (Italian translation by Achille de Lauzières and Angelo Zanardini);
Conductor: Daniele Gatti; Direction and sets: Stephane Braunschweig; Costumes: Thibault van Creanenbroeck; Lights: Marion Hewlett

Cast - Ferruccio Furlanetto, bass-baritone: Philip II; Giuseppe Filianoti, tenor: Don Carlo; Dalibor Jenis, baritone: Rodrigo; Matti Salminen, bass: The Grand Inquisitor; Fiorenza Cedolins, soprano: Elisabeth de Valois; Dolora Zajick, mezzo-soprano: Princesse Eboli