Giuseppe Verdi: Messa da Requiem – Lorin Maazel, Symphonica Toscanini | DVD

UPC: 880242724380

Product Features

• Composer: Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
• Conductor: Lorin Maazel
• Performers:
  • Soprano: Norma Fantini
  • Mezzo-Soprano: Anna Smirnova
  • Tenor: Francesco Meli
  • Bass: Rafał Siwek
• Chorus: Coro del Maggio Musicale FiorentinoOrchestra: Symphonica Toscanini
  • Chorus Master: Piero Monti
• Recorded Venue: Basilica di San Marco, Venice
• Recording Date: 16 November 2007
• Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
• DVD Format: NTSC
• Sound Format: PCM Stereo, DTS 5.1 Surround
• Subtitles: German, English, French, Italian
• Run Time: 112 minutes
• Video Director: Tiziano Mancini
• Publisher: Unitel Classica / Medici Arts

Overview

Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem is a monumental and emotional masterpiece, blending the dramatic intensity of opera with the sacred solemnity of a liturgical mass. This special recording, conducted by the legendary Lorin Maazel, commemorates the 50th anniversary of Arturo Toscanini's death. The concert, held in the historic Basilica di San Marco in Venice, is a profound tribute to Toscanini, who famously conducted Verdi's Requiem throughout his career.

The Symphonica Toscanini, founded in honor of Toscanini, is accompanied by the Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, under the direction of Piero Monti. The concert brings together an outstanding cast of soloists: Norma Fantini (soprano), Anna Smirnova (mezzo-soprano), Francesco Meli (tenor), and Rafał Siwek (bass), each delivering powerful and moving performances.

The recording, beautifully captured in Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica, emphasizes the acoustical brilliance of this historic venue. The performance is enhanced by Tiziano Mancini's expert direction, delivering a visually and sonically immersive experience for viewers.

Interesting Facts

• The Messa da Requiem was first performed in 1874 in memory of Alessandro Manzoni, one of Italy's greatest writers and a close friend of Verdi.
• This performance marks the 50th anniversary of Arturo Toscanini's death in 1957. Toscanini, one of the most renowned conductors of the 20th century, was a key figure in the promotion of Verdi's works, particularly the Requiem.
• Lorin Maazel, a child prodigy who met Toscanini at a young age, has a lifelong connection to the maestro, making this performance a fitting tribute to his legacy.
• The Basilica di San Marco in Venice, known for its rich acoustics, played a crucial role in the development of stereophonic sound in the late Renaissance, making it an ideal location for this performance of Verdi's grand requiem.
• The Symphonica Toscanini was founded in 2006 by Maazel to honor Toscanini and his contributions to classical music. The ensemble has quickly gained a reputation for its powerful performances.

Track Listing

1. Opening Titles
2. Requiem and Kyrie
3. Dies Irae
4. Offertory
5. Sanctus
6. Agnus Dei
7. Lux Aeterna
8. Libera Me
9. Closing Credits

Bonus Feature:

• Behind-the-scenes interviews with the performers and conductor Lorin Maazel, reflecting on Toscanini's influence.

Publishers

• Label: Unitel Classica / Medici Arts
• Release Year: 2007 (Live Recording from Basilica di San Marco, Venice)

Hashtags

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