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Stiffelio - Giuseppe Verdi

Information about the opera Stiffelio by Giuseppe Verdi, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.

A lesser-known Verdi opera, after the play 'Le Pasteur, ou L'Évangile et le Foyer' by Émile Souvestre and Eugène Bourgeois, it was rediscovered in the 1960s.

Synopsis

The opera is about a Protestant minister whose faith is shattered when he discovers that his wife has had an affair with a family friend.

Recommended recordings on CD

Gardelli/Carreras/Sass (Philips 422 432-2)

422 432-2

A good performance confirms the importance of this work.

Austrian Radio Chorus, Austrian Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lamberto Gardelli, 1979.

Cast: José Carreras (Stiffelio), Sylvia Sass (Lina), Matteo Manuguerra (Stankar), Wladimiro Ganzarolli (Jorg).

Philips 422 432-2


Recommended recordings on DVD

Downes/Carreras/Malfitano (Opus Arte OA R3103 D)

OA R3103 D

Recorded in 1993 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra, Royal Opera House Covent Garden Chorus, conducted by Sir Edward Downes, 1993.

Cast: José Carreras (Stiffelio), Catherine Malfitano (Lina), Gregory Yurisich (Stankar), Gwynne Howell (Jorg).

Opus Arte OA R3103 D