The read
It runs long at 3h 19m.
Synopsis
In this majestic production of Verdi’s Don Carlo, Riccardo Chailly’s qualities as a Verdi conductor are brilliantly displayed in the dramatic precision and transparent instrumental detail he draws from both orchestra and cast. Willy Decker directs a wonderful piece of stagecraft, letting the tragedy unwind with minimal, yet telling, interventions. The drama takes place in the mausoleum of Filippo II’s Escorial, where the tombs of countless generations of Spanish royalty line the walls. Filippo’s confrontation with Il grande inquisitore - which takes place over his own coffin, its resting place in the wall ready and waiting - is chillingly symbolic, as are the feet of the giant crucifix that hangs over Don Carlo as he sees his life sacrificed by his father.
Ratings
Key crew
- Willy DeckerDirector
Cast
- Robert LloydKing Philip
- Rolando VillazónDon Carlo
- Amanda RoocroftElisabeth
- Violeta UrmanaEboli
- Dwayne CroftPosa
- Jaakko RyhänenGrand Inquisitor
- Giorgio GiuseppiniMonk