Verdi: I vespri siciliani

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Orchestra e Coro del Teatro Comunale di Firenze

Erich Kleiber

I vespri siciliani, originally conceived as a grand opéra for Paris, is one of Verdi’s most ambitious works, and the multi-faceted central role of Elena is one his most demanding: Callas is one of the few sopranos who have encompassed its vocal and dramatic diversity. This performance – conducted by Erich Kleiber and with Boris Christoff as the Sicilian activist Procida – took place in Florence in Spring 1951. Just over six months later, Callas opened the season at La Scala in the same opera. I vespri siciliani also served for her sole foray into directing opera, for the opening of the new Teatro Regio in Turin in 1973.

Guido di Monforte: Enzo Mascherini

Il sire di Béthune: Bruno Carmassi

Il conte Vaudemont: Mario Frosini

Arrigo: Giórgios Kokoliós-Bardi

Giovanni da Procida: Boris Christoff

La duchessa Elena: Maria Callas

Ninetta: Mafalda Masini

Danieli: Gino Sarri

Tebaldo: Aldo De Paoli

Roberto: Lido Pettini

Manfredo: Brenno Ristori