The album includes instrumental pieces that have become neglected or were never tried in official performances, such as the Preludio from the first version of Simon Boccanegra and an overture intended for Aida's premiere at La Scala.
Composer Biography
Early in his career, before Luisa Miller, Verdi was not very fond of the tenor voice and treated it rather clumsily, preferring the more realistic baritone voice.
Recording & Production
The edition of the Aida Overture used in this recording is based on Toscanini's original tape and a contemporary manuscript copy, and had its first public performance at La Scala in 1977.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Giuseppe Verdi, a pragmatist, believed the only true measure of an opera's success was its box office takings.
Composition History
Verdi would often comply with requests for substitute or additional arias if it was worth the trouble, such as providing an aria for Maddalena in an edition of Rigoletto for Paris.
Notable Performances
Arturo Toscanini performed Verdi's withdrawn Aida Overture in New York in 1940 with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, after somehow acquiring the autograph.
Composition History
The 'Aida Sinfonia' was composed by Verdi in 1872 for the Milan premiere, but he immediately withdrew it after judging it harshly.
