Ernani

Story

Synopsis

Verdi's early masterpiece is based on a Victor Hugo play with a complicated plot concerning a young woman and the three men vying for her affections—her elderly uncle, a king destined to become Holy Roman Emperor, and a bandit who is actually an overthrown nobleman. Though there is plenty of action arising from the various passions and grudges scattered among these characters, the opera is best appreciated as a feast of beautiful and dramatic Italianate singing. With virtuosic roles for a quartet of principals, the opera delivers one feat of heroic vocalism after another.

Directors

Kirk Browning, Pier Luigi Samaritani

Language

Italian

Country

United States of America

Release date

17 December 1983

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Luciano Pavarotti

  Ernani

• 

  Leona Mitchell

  Donna Elvira

• 

  Sherrill Milnes

  Don Carlos

• 

  Ruggero Raimondi

  Don Ruy Gómez de Silva

• Charles Anthony

  Don Riccardo

• Richard Vernon

  Jago

• Jean Kraft

  Giovanna

• MET Orchestra

  Orchestra