The 12th release in the Tutto Verdi series celebrating the composer's 200th birthday is a 2008 revival from the Teatro Regio di Parma of one of his most infrequently mounted works, a tragic melodrama from 1848 adapted from a poem by Lord Byron. Corrado is the titular figure—a pirate captain who falls into the hands of Seid, the Pasha of Coron, who intends to execute him. But Gulnara, the Pasha's favorite slave—who has rejected her master's advances—falls in love with Corrado and kills Seid in order to save him. Unfortunately, Corrado's beloved Medora, pining away during his absence, dies upon learning of his return with Gulnara, and Corrado responds by hurling himself from a cliff. Verdi himself disparaged the opera (not even attending the premiere) and later commentators have followed his lead. But this production demonstrates that the score contains much attractive music, although even Verdi cannot overcome the libretto's weaknesses. Bruno Ribeiro is heroic in both voice and physique as Corrado, while Silvia Dalla Benetta makes a strong Gulnara and Luca Salsi a formidable Seid. Only Irina Lungu's tentative Medora disappoints. Featuring excellent work from the chorus and orchestra under the baton of Carlo Montanaro, this is presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray release) and PCM stereo. Extras include an introduction to the opera. A rarity worth investigating (even for those who aren't Verdi completists), this is recommended. (F. Swietek)
Il Corsaro
(2008) 119 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $39.99. Unitel Classica (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 28, Issue 4
Il Corsaro
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