Verdi, Giuseppe / Un Ballo In Maschera (A Masked Ball), Metropolitan Opera Company
| Album: | Un Ballo In Maschera (A Masked Ball), Metropolitan Opera Company | Collection: | Classical | |
| Artist: | Verdi, Giuseppe | Added: | May 2012 | |
| Label: | Sony Classical | |||
A-File Activity
| Add Date: | 2012-05-26 | Pull Date: | 2012-07-29 | Charts: | Classical/Experimental |
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| Week Ending: | Jul 8 | Jun 24 |
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| Airplays: | 1 | 2 |
Recent Airplay
| 1. | Jul 05, 2012: | In Your Ear | A Last Minute Return
Disc 1. (48:23) Act I. [17 Tracks] |
3. | Jun 21, 2012: | In Your Ear | Thursdays Farewell Part 1
Disc 1. (48:23) Act I. [17 Tracks] |
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| 2. | Jun 21, 2012: | Buford J. Sharkley Presents: As Told to Hervey Okkles: A Work of Drama, etc, etc
Volta la terrea - Ogni cura si doni al diletto |
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Album Review
Larry
Reviewed 2012-05-26
Reviewed 2012-05-26
Verdi, Giuseppe. Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball). Metropolitan Opera Company.
Label: Sony Classics
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), one of the most influential composers of the 19th century, composed Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball) between 1857 and 1859. It is based loosely on an 1833 play inspired by the 1792 assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden. European political events forced Verdi to set the opera in Boston to satisfy the censors. In 1955, Marian Anderson, who is featured on this recording (along with equally world-famous artists, Jan Peerce, Robert Merrill, Roberta Peters and Giorgio Tozzi), broke the “color barrier” at the Metropolitan Opera singing the role of the fortuneteller, Ulrica, and became the first African-American artist ever to appear with that company. The opera is quite frequently performed even today.
The liner insert summarizes the plot, as does Wikepedia in more detail, including composition and performance history. Briefly: Act I Scene 1. Riccardo, governor of Boston, sees that the woman he secretly loves, Amelia, wife of his advisor Renato, will attend the Riccardo’s masked ball. Renato tries to warn Riccardo about a growing conspiracy against him, but Riccardo refuses to listen. Riccardo hears a complaint against a fortuneteller, Ulrica, accused of witchcraft, and decides to investigate. Scene 2. At Ulrica’s dwelling, Amelia confesses to Ulrica her love for Riccardo. Ulrica tells an unbelieving Riccardo he will be killed by the next man to shake his hand. It is Renato. Act II – Scene: Town outskirts, gallows-place. Midnight. Amelia comes to pick an herb Ulrica recommended; Riccardo meets her and they declare their love. Renato arrives, Riccardo leaves, Amelia’s veil drops and Renato assumes adultery, resolving to kill Riccardo. Act III – Scene 1. Renato’s House. Amelia protests innocence to Renato, who goes to the ball to kill Riccardo anyway. Scene 2. The ball: Riccardo tells Amelia he has decided to send her and Renato away to protect them, but as the two say goodbye, Renato stabs Riccardo. He discloses his love, but says Amelia never broke her marriage vows. He pardons the conspirators, bidding farewell to his friends and his country as he dies.
For Track times and titles of Arias, Duets, and group songs see the liner insert. Play a random one or two tracks to let your audience experience, as millions have, this delightful music and these beautiful human voices.
Disc 1. (48:23) Act I. [17 tracks]
Disc 2. (76:23). Act II – (30:26) [8 tracks]. Act III - (45:57) [14 tracks].
Label: Sony Classics
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), one of the most influential composers of the 19th century, composed Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball) between 1857 and 1859. It is based loosely on an 1833 play inspired by the 1792 assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden. European political events forced Verdi to set the opera in Boston to satisfy the censors. In 1955, Marian Anderson, who is featured on this recording (along with equally world-famous artists, Jan Peerce, Robert Merrill, Roberta Peters and Giorgio Tozzi), broke the “color barrier” at the Metropolitan Opera singing the role of the fortuneteller, Ulrica, and became the first African-American artist ever to appear with that company. The opera is quite frequently performed even today.
The liner insert summarizes the plot, as does Wikepedia in more detail, including composition and performance history. Briefly: Act I Scene 1. Riccardo, governor of Boston, sees that the woman he secretly loves, Amelia, wife of his advisor Renato, will attend the Riccardo’s masked ball. Renato tries to warn Riccardo about a growing conspiracy against him, but Riccardo refuses to listen. Riccardo hears a complaint against a fortuneteller, Ulrica, accused of witchcraft, and decides to investigate. Scene 2. At Ulrica’s dwelling, Amelia confesses to Ulrica her love for Riccardo. Ulrica tells an unbelieving Riccardo he will be killed by the next man to shake his hand. It is Renato. Act II – Scene: Town outskirts, gallows-place. Midnight. Amelia comes to pick an herb Ulrica recommended; Riccardo meets her and they declare their love. Renato arrives, Riccardo leaves, Amelia’s veil drops and Renato assumes adultery, resolving to kill Riccardo. Act III – Scene 1. Renato’s House. Amelia protests innocence to Renato, who goes to the ball to kill Riccardo anyway. Scene 2. The ball: Riccardo tells Amelia he has decided to send her and Renato away to protect them, but as the two say goodbye, Renato stabs Riccardo. He discloses his love, but says Amelia never broke her marriage vows. He pardons the conspirators, bidding farewell to his friends and his country as he dies.
For Track times and titles of Arias, Duets, and group songs see the liner insert. Play a random one or two tracks to let your audience experience, as millions have, this delightful music and these beautiful human voices.
Disc 1. (48:23) Act I. [17 tracks]
Disc 2. (76:23). Act II – (30:26) [8 tracks]. Act III - (45:57) [14 tracks].
Track Listing
| 1. | Disc 1. (48:23) Act I. [17 Tracks] | 2. | Disc 2. (76:23). Act Ii - (30:26) [8 Tracks]. Act Iii - (45:57) [14 Tracks] |