Franco Corelli, who sings the title role of Don Carlo, was a legendary tenor whose radiant voice was considered the epitome of a brilliant tenor.
Historical Context
Vienna has a strong passion for opera, comparable to Paris, stemming from centuries as a center of power where opera performances were used for ostentatious displays.
Recording & Production
This album is a new production of Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Don Carlo" from the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) on October 25, 1970.
Performer Biography
Shirley Verrett, the American mezzo-soprano who sings Eboli, was sometimes referred to as a "Black Callas" and conquered Viennese audiences with her debut in this production.
Composition History
This production uses the four-act version of "Don Carlo" that Verdi prepared for Milan in 1884, which cut the ballet and the entire first act set in Fontainebleau.
Critical Reception
The premiere of this "Don Carlo" production on October 25, 1970, was met with a scandal, as conductor Horst Stein was booed by a faction of the audience, possibly loyal to former artistic director Herbert von Karajan.
Critical Reception
Despite the audience controversy, critics largely praised the production, with Otto Schenk's staging described as magnificent and Jürgen Rose's sets as severely spartan.
