Verdi: Overtures and Preludes

Giuseppe Verdi composed over 30 operas, though only about half of them are still regularly staged. For the latest studio recording with the Philharmonia Zurich, Fabio Luisi has chosen overtures and preludes from Verdi’s whole creative period. Next to popular masterpieces like the overture to "La forza del destino", the selection ranges from the earliest works by Verdi, which strongly remind of Rossini and Donizetti, over exceptional preludes he wrote for "Macbeth" or "La traviata" for example, to rarely performed overtures such as "I vespri siciliani" or "La battaglia di Legnano". A special highlight on this recording is the long version of the overture to "Aida", which is never heard in combination with opera. Furthermore, the ballet music for the French version of "Don Carlos" also found its way onto the album. Thus, the compilation unites pieces that belong to the day-to-day repertoire of the Philharmonia Zurich with those that are also rarities to orchestra musicians.

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REVIEW:

Luisi is never subject to the temptation of vulgar crashing or rhythmic idling. Rather, he has an unmistakable sense of the music's many chamber-like intimate moments, as well as the great dramatic psychological aspects of these miniature masterpieces. Overall then, an impressive record of the work this podium maestro has accomplished in Zurich.

– Online Merker (Austria; Ingobert Waltenberger)