Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
Works: Nabucco, Macbeth, La battaglia di Legnano, I Lombardi alla prima crociata, Il trovatore, Don Carlo, Otello, Aida
Performers: Choir and Orchestra of the National Academy of Saint Cecilia / Carlo Rizzi
Recording: Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, Rome, September 1992 DDD
Label: WARNER CLASSICS APEX
Giuseppe Verdi’s operatic choruses have long served as a canvas for his unique blend of dramatic storytelling and stirring musicality. This compilation, featuring a selection of his most iconic choral works, showcases the composer’s ability to evoke profound emotional landscapes through collective vocal expression. With Verdi’s deft orchestration and the dynamic interplay of chorus and orchestra, the listener is transported to the heart of Italian operatic tradition, entwined with the fervor of the Risorgimento—a period that deeply influenced Verdi’s oeuvre and the political climate of his time.
Carlo Rizzi leads the Choir and Orchestra of the National Academy of Saint Cecilia with an evident command that balances the powers of orchestral color and choral might. From the outset, with “Va, pensiero” from Nabucco, Rizzi sets a tone that is both lyrical and haunting. The choir begins with a fervent yearning that crescendos into a resounding plea for homeland, demonstrating not only technical control but also an emotional depth that resonates with the historical context of Italian nationalism. The clarity of the choir, particularly in the contrasting textures of male and female voices, is commendable, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both cohesive and intricate.
In examining subsequent tracks, Rizzi’s interpretative choices often highlight the dichotomy between the jubilant and the mournful, as seen in “Patria oppressa!” from Macbeth. Here, the orchestration is deftly employed to evoke a barren landscape, with sharp brass and delicate strings underpinning the chorus’s lament. The tonal variations within the chorus build from soft, plaintive entries to a powerful climax that encapsulates the refugees’ despair, effectively illustrating Verdi’s dramatic intentions. The choice of tempo is crucial in this piece, providing a striking contrast that captures the essence of mourning while maintaining a sense of urgency.
The recording quality is consistently high, with a clarity that allows for the intricate details of Verdi’s orchestration to emerge without overshadowing the vocal lines. The engineering captures the resonance of the Conservatorio’s acoustics, enveloping the listener in a vibrant sound world. Rizzi’s pacing, particularly in “Fuoco di gioia!” from Otello, is engaging, allowing each choir section to shine independently before merging into a triumphant whole that feels both celebratory and cathartic.
While some interpretations may lean towards a more bombastic approach, Rizzi opts for a measured, yet powerfully dynamic interpretation, as notably demonstrated in the “Anvil Chorus” from Il trovatore. While the tempo is brisk, there are moments where clarity of diction falters amidst the exuberance. Nevertheless, this choice serves to highlight the excitement of the scene, even if it sacrifices some of the traditional gravitas associated with this iconic chorus.
The accompanying booklet enriches the listening experience with its context, including a detailed exploration of the political and historical significance behind the selected works. This layer of information enhances the understanding of Verdi’s motivations, reminding us that the operatic chorus serves not just as entertainment but as a vehicle for social and political commentary.
The collection stands as a testament to Verdi’s genius, capturing the essence of his operatic chorus through a performance that is both technically accomplished and emotionally compelling. Rizzi and his forces breathe life into Verdi’s choral masterpieces, ensuring that the listener is not merely an observer but a participant in the drama that unfolds. The combination of superb musicianship, thoughtful interpretation, and excellent sound quality results in a recording that is not only an exceptional value but a significant addition to the canon of Verdi performances.
