Verdi: Don Carlosby Anonymous

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November 29, 2006: This live recording of the French version of Don Carlos is a must have for any Verdi afficionado or lover of grand opera. It is well sung and finely captured live. Here the full five-act version is presented in its entirety, inculding the Fontainebleu Act at the beginning between Carlos and Elisabeth. Karita Mattila brings wonderful charm and great vocal and physical beauty to the role of Elisabeth while Roberto Alagna is at home in his native French his voice being well suited to Verdi's hero. However, the lower voices steal the show. Thomas Hampson brings his unique vocal presense to Rodrigo and his duet with Jose Van Dam as the king is tremendous. Van Dam also creates sparks with Eric Halfvarson as the Inquisitor later on in the opera. The conducting is sensitive and brisk and the pacing of this long work is great! Grand opera at its best!