CLASSIC RECORDINGS FROM ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT OPERA HOUSES

Renato Bruson takes the role of the Venetian Doge - Francesco Foscari - in Verdi's dark, three-act tragedy based on a drama by Lord Byron set in 15th century Venice. Gianandrea Gavazzeni directs the 1988 La Scala production of a work that is hailed among the best of Verdi's early operas, and that led him to a career of operatic immortality.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles

Renato Bruson, Alberto Cupido, Linda Roark-Strummer, Luigi Roni, Renato Cazzaniga, Monica Tagliasacchi, Aldo Bottion, Aldo Bramante
Orchestra & Chorus of Teatro alla Scala / Gianandrea Gavazzeni
Stage Director Pier Luigi Pizzi

Reviews
'Pier Pizzi’s production of I due Foscari is dominated by the Doge’s giant throne set at the top of an impressive flight of stairs. Thanks to sliding black panels, the throne can either be seen clearly or just glimpsed, a permanent reminder of the Doge’s overall power (plus, when the panels slide in, reminding us just how much governing is done behind closed doors). A simple but effective set with what colour there is coming from the costumes, it throws the focus clearly on the singers. Alberto Cupido provides a fresh-voiced Jacopo. Once again, the chorus is exemplary. Gianandrea Gavazzeni is the sprightly conductor.’
Opera Now

'Still at La Scala in 1988, Verdi’s I due Foscari is another lusty and concise early work that can set the pulse racing. Teeming with immediately appealing melodies, it is a gift for a sympathetic and distinguished cast to rise above undeveloped characters and contrived plot. Renato Bruson excels as the Venetian Doge. Dignified and patrician, he racks his deposition aria in Act 3 with defiance, even sporting what appears to be a genuine tear rolling down his cheek. Alberto Cupido launches for the gallery with full-throated delivery…as his son, Jacopo Foscari. Linda Roark-Strummer is a real find…as his wife Lucrezia. Vocally thrilling and taking real risks, she commands the stage with blazing conviction. Another Pier Luigi Pizzi production, strong on costumes and staircases, that unobtrusively allows the performers free range.'
International Record Review

‘This is live performance from Milan with a good cast, and conducting of magnificent shaping and pacing by Gianandrea Gavazzeni. The production, directed by Pier Luigi Pizzi, is sensitive to the nuances and general tenor of the story, and the film direction by Tonino Del Colle is also supportive…
The sound is strongly articulated and quite atmospheric…Gavazzeni chooses slower rather than faster tempi…the interpretation always feels right and the judgements are appropriate. The orchestra plays well too…
Of the singers Renato Bruson heads the list in every way. He is an experienced Verdian and it shows. He is very much inside the part and his vocal shading and sensitive phrasing make the tragic Doge the central feature in the drama. As his son Jacopo, Alberto Cupido is always secure…The other important character is Lucrezia, and Linda Roark-Strummer is very much inside the role from the vocal point of view.
The La Scala chorus sings with assurance and achieve some beautifully controlled dynamic shadings, while the production is cleverly lit and makes intelligent use of the stage…this performance will give much pleasure…’
Music Web International

'I due Foscari is a tale of political intrigue set in 15th century Venice. Two factors make this production invaluable: Renato Bruson and Giandrea Gavazzeni. Bruson's portrayal of the doomed Doge is compelling. His stage performances becoming available on DVD reveal a baritone voice of great power and an actor of remarkable depth. Gavazzeni (1909-1996), a former director of La Scala and the epitome of the old school podium aristocrat in the tradition of Toscanini and Serafin, demonstrates that his conducting is worthy of serious study.'
La Scena Musicale

CAT NO: OA LS3007 D
FORMAT: All Formats
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 4:3
LENGTH: 115 MINS
SOUND: DOLBY STEREO
SUBTITLES: EN
RELEASED: 01/09/2004
NO OF DISCS: 1