Giuseppe Verdi

Il Trovatore

VERDI is one of the few undisputed great opera composers. His most popular compositions have been the nucleus of the repertory of every opera house in the world.

He was the main plank of Italian opera for 50 years, first with works that were associated with revolutionary movements then with his early masterpieces at the halfway point of the 19th Century.

He never stopped growing in stature and his work carried Italian opera forward as Wagner's work was gaining influence.

This double CD is a 1930 recording from La Scala, Milan.

Fans of vintage presentations will revel in the musical mustiness that adds charm and entertainment to these discs.

I could take up the whole column by trying to explain the plot but let's simply say it is about love, jealousy and, ultimately, revenge.

It was originally cut on 28 sides at 78rpm by Columbia. Quite a collection.

Now two hours 30 minutes fit nicely on the two CDs and well engineered they've been too!

Bianca Scacciati (Leonora), Enrico Molinari (Il Conte di Luna), Giuseppina Zinetti (Azucena) and Francesco Merli (Manrico) are on top form, offering breathtaking excitement and huge amounts of dynamism.

One could hardly expect less from La Scala.

Verdi decked out his blood and thunder plot with music of great beauty and Azucena, the hellbent-on-revenge mother, is a magnificent creation and one of opera's most impressive old women.

The Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala perform with exceptional skill under the baton of Lorenzo Molajoli.

You'd be hard-pressed to fine a better budget version.

Naxos, 8.110162-63