Tune in on Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. to hear the Metropolitan Opera’s broadcast of a 1950 production of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, Don Carlo. This production was voted on and chosen by listeners for the Met’s Listener’s Choice, and WRTI will carry this historic broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera House, as part of the Met’s Saturday matinee series.
Originally performed in French as Don Carlos, then later condensed and translated into Italian, Don Carlo is based on the turbulent life of Carlos, Prince of Asturias. In the opera, the Spanish prince Don Carlo falls in love with Elisabeth of Valois, just before she is ordered to be betrothed to his father, King Philip II of Spain. Carlo remains hesitant to relinquish his love.
This 1950 production features Swedish tenor Jussi Björling as the titular Don Carlo and soprano Delia Rigal as his beloved, Elisabeth of Valois. Bass Cesare Siepi is Carlo’s father, King Philip II of Spain. Mezzo-soprano Fedora Barbieri is Princess Eboli, baritone Robert Merrill is Carlo’s friend, Rodrigo, and bass Jerome Hines is the Grand Inquisitor. This production was led by conductor Fritz Stiedry.
Cast:
- Jussi Björling as Don Carlo
- Delia Rigal as Elisabeth of Valois
- Cesare Siepi as King Philip II of Spain
- Fedora Barbieri as Princess Eboli
- Robert Merrill as Rodrigo
- Jerome Hines as The Grand Inquisitor
Conducted by Maestro Fritz Stiedry