...I Vespri Siciliani is in many senses an intimist opera, all based on the contrast between the duties imposed on, and sorrowfully accepted by, all the leading characters by their political roles, and their private feelings which, of course, do not correspond to the demands of politics...
Conductor: Stefano Ranzani
Stars: Orlin Anastassov, Amarilli Nizza, Vladimir Stoyanov, Renzo Zulian.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2662532/
French Premiere: June 1855; Paris Opéra
Italian Premiere: December 1855, Teatro Regio, Parma
Italian libretto rewritten in 1861
Place: Palermo, Italy
Time: 1282
Filmed at Teatro Verdi di Busseto
Not the same performance/production as Tutto Verdi: I Vespri Siciliani (2010), 7-, although similar with the opening scene having the chorus on the periphery of the audience. This one did a good job of lighting so you didn't see the audience; the house could almost have been empty. But later, when individual players walked the same edges, some patrons were very visible (and almost bored-looking). They must have made an announcement at the beginning for everyone to "tuck in", but later people forgot or didn't care.
Again I'm impressed by V.Stoyanov's beautiful baritone; when I'm not watching, his aria brings my eyes back to the screen. The lead soprano was also vocally attractive, as was the tenor. In this cast, the rebel leader (also baritone/bass) was young, handsome, and vocally pleasing as well. So I like all 4 leads, the intimacy of the house (the audio was terrific), and the production was fine (no French ballet).
Still, the story leaves me cold: unacquainted father/son on opposing sides of a rebellion alter their loyalties upon learning their true relationship. I do like that the rebellion goes on without their confusion.
The costumes seem more appropriate to revolution during Verdi's life than to 1282.
RAI, cond. Ranzani; 8-
