DVD:
Iconic archive recording from Covent Garden

An exceptional team of cast and creatives bring Verdi’s Don Carlo to life in this iconic, archive recording

Verdi was commissioned by the Paris Opéra to write Don Carlo to a French libretto. The source material was a dramatic play by Schiller and the work premiered as a five-act grand opera in March 1867 under the title Don Carlos. Set in the 16th century, its subject is Carlo, the son of Spain's King Phillip II, and his love for Elisabetta, whom Philip later marries. The nature of the crises and conflicts Carlo faces, personal and political, drive the drama with unremitting intensity. In 1958 the celebrated director Luchino Visconti was invited by the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden to stage his first opera outside Italy. The choice was the five-act Italian-language Don Carlo and the spectacular production was pivotal in establishing this version as a repertoire piece. In 1985 the Royal Opera House once again presented its Visconti production with Bernard Haitink memorably directing a superb cast that includes Ileana Cotrubas at the height of her powers and Luis Lima, unequalled in his tortured introspection, in the title role.

"...one of The Royal Opera's finest achievements" (The Financial Times)

"The cast could hardly be bettered ... this is a version that can be whole-heartedly recommended – and not for nostalgic reasons only." (Musicweb International)

Genre Opera
Recording location Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Production year 1985
Stage Director Luchino Visconti
TV Director Brian Large
Costumes Luchino Visconti
Conductor Bernard Haitink
Soloist Ileana Cotrubas; Luis Lima; Robert Lloyd
Distribution DVD Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Production Company BBC Television in association with NVC Arts, a Warner Music Company