Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno, Cappella Aquileia, Marcus Bosch - Verdi: Ernani (2020) [Hi-Res]

What would an opera be like without a burning desire for revenge? Giuseppe Verdi's "Ernani" certainly promises the highest drama in this regard. Although
it is not performed on stage as often as some of his other works (from the slightly earlier Nabucco to Falstaff, written 50 years earlier
), the score is completely influenced by bel canto, but also includes fantastic choral scenes. The libretto is based on the struggle for Elvira
She is courted by three people: Don Carlo (who is later crowned emperor and mercifully forgives her), Count de Silva (her eldest uncle, who puts
the traditional right of hospitality above betrayal) and Hernani (the conspiratorial Count Don Juan of Aragon), who ultimately has only
a choice between a dagger and poison. The true loser in the end turns out to be Elvira, with her sense of repeated betrayal and disappointment.
Divided into four acts, the stage design of which mainly consists of trios and grand finales, Verdi's opera is performed with amazing speed
according to a libretto based on the drama by Victor Hugo (although Uwe Schweickert notes moments of dramatic slowness in his essay in the booklet). It is the power of vocal
lines and harmonies that drives everything forward with the utmost intensity. In his long-term project dedicated to Verdi, Marcus Bosch and Cappella Aquileia consistently
They continue the path they started several years ago.: The ensemble not only demonstrates impressive vocal balance and musical inspiration at a high level
, but the orchestral part, often only "accompanying" in everyday productions, is also carefully crafted and has creative freedom, which can
only be achieved through a sufficient number of rehearsals. We can foresee that we will hear much more from this cycle in the coming years.
The Heidenheim Opera Festival.