
Amidst these personal and financial woes, Verdi wished to
forsake opera. Only the encouragement of Bartolomeo Merelli, La Scala’s
manager, convinced him to take up the pen again.
The result was Nabucco, a roaring success that announced Verdi as Italian opera’s
most exciting voice. Although subsequent years saw him refine his craft, Nabucco shows the first flourishing of
the composer’s genius.
It may not be the subtlest of his works, but it is bold,
generous and emotive. The Va, pensiero chorus
of Hebrew slaves remains one of the most recognisable in the canon, and has
become among Italy’s most treasured songs.
Excited for the Royal Opera's Summer 2016 season?
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Nabucco’s tale is as epic as them come. Based on the Biblical conflicts
between the titular Babylonian king and the Jews, it begins on the eve of
battle and ends by ushering in unity and hope. Along the way, there is love,
curses, madness, lightning strikes and familial betrayals.
The characters show
much of the psychological complexity that would come to be one of Verdi’s
hallmarks, especially the titular king and his scheming adopted daughter Abigaille.
For their summer 2016 season, the Royal
Opera House will revive Daniele Abbado’s well-received 2013 production, set in
the context of the twentieth century’s historical horrors.
The title role will
be split between Royal Opera House regular Dmitri Platanias and the legendary
tenor Placido Domingo, who performed the role to great acclaim last year. They
will be joined John Relyea, Liudmyla Monastyrska and a host of others, while
Maurizio Benini conducts the orchestra.
What | Nabucco, Royal Opera House |
Where | Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD | MAP |
Nearest tube | Covent Garden (underground) |
When |
06 Jun 16 – 30 Jun 16, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
Price | £TBC |
Website | Click here to book via Culture Whisper and See Tickets |