Giuseppe Verdi’s fifth opera--an early triumph for the young composer when it premiered in 1844, cementing his international reputation--is based on a tragedy by Victor Hugo and set in 16th-century Spain. Ernani pits the titular nobleman turned outlaw against King Don Carlo as rivals for the affections of the lovely Elvira, who is about to marry the elderly grandee de Silva. A conspiracy against the king is hatched, but he suddenly shows clemency to the lovers after being elected emperor. Not surprisingly, all does not end happily, as the chivalrous Ernani must commit suicide to keep a vow that he made earlier to the jealous de Silva. Despite its initial popularity, the piece faded in public estimation and has only recently reemerged in the repertory. This 2014 production from the Monte-Carlo Opera, vividly conducted by Daniele Callegari, features a strong male lineup in Ramón Vargas (Ernani), Ludovic Tézier (Don Carlos), and Alexander Vinogradov (de Silva), and even though Svetla Vassilieva’s Elvira is rather pallid and Jean-Louis Grinda’s direction is relatively unimaginative (as are the sets and costumes), overall this is an enjoyable production. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)
Ernani
(2014) 130 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99. Arthaus Musik (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 33, Issue 3
Ernani
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