This unique programme is the first time that all the ballet music from Verdi’s
operas has been brought together in a single recording. Although The Four
Seasons from I vespri siciliani (The Sicilian Vespers) and the ballet scenes from
Aida and Otello have survived, substantial pieces from Il trovatore and Don Carlo
are more often cut, while the ballet from Jérusalem is all but unknown. José
Serebrier’s recordings with the Bournemouth Symphony have resulted in some
great successes with unusual repertoire. This release will be of interest both to
opera enthusiasts and to those eager to explore Verdi’s neglected and relatively
small body of concert music.

José Serebrier’s work with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has resulted
in some great successes with unusual repertoire, such as the ‘vivid performances’
(Gramophone) of Ned Rorem’s symphonies (8.559149) and their acclaimed
series of Stokowski transcriptions. This release unearths plenty of barely known
Verdi to go along with more familiar ballet scores, and will be of unique interest
to opera enthusiasts as well as those already attracted by his brilliant and betterknown
orchestral gems.