La Forza del Destino with Netrebko and Kaufmann

The Royal Opera House's current season production of La Forza del Destino with Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann now available for TV.

Christof Loy directs a star-studded cast of singers, including Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann and Ludovic Tézier, in Verdi's epic opera, conducted by Antonio Pappano. La Forza del Destino is one of Verdi's most ambitious scores. Its overture - which introduces us to the sinister motif signifying Fate - is one of his most memorable. The opera also contains some of Verdi’s most brilliant choral writing, including Act III’s stirring ‘Rataplan’ chorus, and several beautiful and intimate arias such as Leonora's ardent Act IV 'Pace, pace mio Dio!'. There's comedy too with the scenes for the greedy monk Fra Melitone. Christof Loy's colourful and spectacular production reflects the kaleidoscopic nature of Verdi's opera, where intense personal dramas play out against a background of war, and in which religion plays an ambiguous role.

Reviews of the star-studded production have been superb: "What lifts the evening heavenwards, however, is fabulous singing of Golden Age quality. The superstars Netrebko and Kaufmann are both in magnificent voice, bringing delicate and thoughtful musicianship as well as full-throttled power to their big arias – Netrebko in particular impresses with her inexhaustible generosity and commitment." Rupert Christiansen, The Daily Telegraph; "This world-class cast is transfixing enough." Richard Morrison, The Times.

There are some fascinating insights available on the Royal Opera House's YouTube channel, including an insightful interview with Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov.

Distribution TV For TV only
Recording date 2 April 2019
Recording location Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Stage Director Christof Loy
Original title of music work La Forza del Destino
English title of music work Force of Destiny
Genre Opera
Composer Giuseppe Verdi
Video format 4:3
Audio format HD
Choreography by Jane Gibson
Conductor Antonio Pappano