Credits:

Richard Farnes, Covent Garden Royal Opera House Orchestra, Gregory Kunde, Anita Rachvelishvili

Description:

A masterpiece full of blood, fire, and vengeance, "Il Trovatore" - Covent Garden's all-out masterpiece - is based on a medieval knight's tale, a revenge story about an old gypsy woman, Azucena, and a love story involving the Countess Luna, Leonora, a courtesan and Manrico, a bard. The combination of these two elements creates a great tragedy, and the clever storyline provides plenty of opportunities for singers to show off their talents. Against the atmospheric backdrop of David Besh's stage, the four outstanding singers who play the central roles bring this emotionally charged work to life. Gregory Kunde as the leading role of the bard Manrico and Lyanna Hartunian as his lover Leonora are veteran Verdi singers, while Ukrainian-born Vitali Vili sings the proud Count Luna in a rousing performance that will be a highlight of La Scala's 2009 season. Anita Rachvelishvili from Georgia, who sang the title role in the opening production of "Carmen" with great success, breathes youthful life into the mysterious Gypsy woman Azuchena.The Royal Opera House Orchestra and Chorus of Covent Garden, conducted by Richard Ferns, provide solid support for this drama of mixed emotions, revenge, and love. Naxos Japan