Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (the complete opera recorded in 1995)

"In this Metropolitan Opera's 1995 production of Simon Boccanegra director Giancarlo Del Monaco and designer Michael Scott successfully opted for a naturalistic approach. Strictly speaking, much of the décor (the ceiling paintings and furnishings in the Council Chamber scene, for instance) is more reminiscent of the high or even late Renaissance than of the first half of the 14th century, when the real-life Boccanegra flourished." (Harvey Sachs)

"This Boccanegra seems a model of how the medium video can and ought to be used. It contains no cheap tricks; the balance between broad shots and close-ups is virtually ideal; and the viewer's attention is focused on specific details, such as Simon's chalice or Gabriele's dagger - both in Act II - only when there is good reason for using so attention-grabbing a technique." (Harvey Sachs)

"Vladimir Chernov's Boccanegra, a compelling portrayal, beautifully and intensely sung. His eyes tell us throughout of Boccanegra's torments of mind and heart. Levine draws fine performances from his players, but Solti does as well if not better at Covent Garden. Brian Large's direction is exemplary, the sound is good." (Gramophone)

With the Met production of Simon Boccanegra, Deutsche Grammophon initiates a new state-of-the-art DVD-Video concept making maximum use of what the format can offer.

Conductor - James Levine
Orchestra - Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Choir - Metropolitan Opera Chorus
Amelia Boccanegra - Kiri Te Kanawa
Gabriele Adorno - Plácido Domingo
Simon Boccanegra - Vladimir Chernov
Jacopo Fiesco - Robert Lloyd
Paolo Albiani - Bruno Pola
Pietro - Jiang Tian Hao
A captain - Charles Anthony
Amelia's Lady-in-waiting - Joyce Olson