Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (Opera Rara Audio CD)

Opera Rara Verdi 2 CD

Sesto Bruscantini, Josella Ligi, Andre Turp, William Elvin, Gwynne Howell, Paul Hudson, BBC Singers, Conductor John Matheson.


'Simon Boccanegra' is the second in the 'Verdi Originals' series and is a wonderful follow up to the first release, 'Macbeth'. Set in 14th Century Genoa, the opera explores the political intrigues of the times centered on the discovery of the true identity of Amelia Boccanegra.

This original 1857 version predates the revision by 24 years and represents Verdi's most extensive alterations to one of his operas making this original version a must for all serious collectors of 19th century Italian opera. It seems that with the 1976 broadcast the original version was heard for the first time in over a hundred years. In recent times, for various Verdian celebrations, there have been concert performances but this is the first official appearance of the original version on compact disc.