Verdi: Don Carlo (complete opera recorded in 1983)

Don Carlo on DVD: Grand opera at its finest with Freni and Domingo at the Met

Filmed in 1983, this DVD captures the Metropolitan Opera's sweeping sets, its army of authentically costumed singers, and a cast of glowing soloists led by Plácido Domingo, Mirella Freni, Grace Bumbry and Nicolai Ghiaurov

Verdi's drama of private passions played out against a backdrop of intense political battles becomes extra vivid in this immense staging

This Met version, sung in Italian, includes the oft-omitted Fontainebleau scene, as well as the Prelude and Introduction

Under the musical direction of James Levine, this DVD showcases grand opera at its best

Radio 3: Recommended DVD
Building a Library
March 2006