Premiered in 1846, the opening night audience erupted into cheers when Ezio sang “You may have the universe, but leave Italy to me!”
The line also inspired cheers at La Scala’s recent performances. Musically Attila is a neglected masterpiece. Verdi’s driving, military rhythms combined with lyric and dramatic turns of phrase make this compelling listening. One of the great revenge operas of the 19th century, much of the drama revolves around the relationship between Attila and Odabella as she first stands up to him, appears to capitulate but only in order to hide her plan for his demise. Taras Berezhansky is Attila, opposite Natalie Aroyan as Odabella. Simone Piazzola performs as the Roman General, Ezio. Diego Torre debuts another Verdi tenor role as Odabella’s lover Foresto. This co-production with La Scala was a tremendous success at its Milan premiere and has received critical acclaim in Sydney.
Recorded live in concert at Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House on 14 March 2020 by ABC Classic. Producer Brooke Green, Engineers Andrew Edgson, Jason Blackwell and Jolen Camilleri.
Program
Giuseppe Verdi: Attila
Artists
Taras Berezhansky (bass, Attila)
Natalie Aroyan (soprano, Odabella)
Diego Torre (tenor, Foresto)
Simone Piazzola (baritone, Ezio)
Virgilio Marino (tenor, Uldino)
Gennadi Dubinsky (bass, Pope Leo I)
Opera Australia Chorus
Opera Australia Orchestra
Jun Yi Ma (concertmaster)
Andrea Licata (conductor)
Find out more
Attila Cheat Sheet from the OA website.
Review: SMH from the Sydney Morning Herald's website (Peter McCallum March 16th, 2020)
Tracklist
Attila: Preludio and Prologo [37'35]
Composer
Verdi, Giuseppe
Performers
Opera Australia Chorus + Natalie Aroyan (soprano) + Diego Torre (tenor) + Opera Australia Orchestra + Gennadi Dubinsky (bass) + Virgilio Marino (tenor) + Simone Piazzola (baritone) + Taras Berezhansky (bass)
Album
ABC Classic Concert Recording
Add to
Attila: Act I [32'35]
Composer
Verdi, Giuseppe
Performers
Opera Australia Chorus + Natalie Aroyan (soprano) + Diego Torre (tenor) + Opera Australia Orchestra + Gennadi Dubinsky (bass) + Virgilio Marino (tenor) + Simone Piazzola (baritone) + Taras Berezhansky (bass)
Album
ABC Classic Concert Recording
Add toAttila: Act II | Act III [44'15]
Composer
Verdi, Giuseppe
Performers
Opera Australia Chorus + Natalie Aroyan (soprano) + Diego Torre (tenor) + Opera Australia Orchestra + Gennadi Dubinsky (bass) + Virgilio Marino (tenor) + Simone Piazzola (baritone) + Taras Berezhansky (bass)
Album
ABC Classic Concert Recording
Add to