Verdi: Giovanna d’Arco | Album Review

Giovanna d'Arco, Verdi's seventh opera and based on the story of Joan of Arc, was premiered at La Scala, Milan, in 1845. Later in life, Verdi referred to these as his "Galley Years", where he was perfecting his craft, and the work does have echoes of Donizetti. This recording, conducted by Paolo Carignani, comes from a concert performance at the 2013 Salzburg Festival, with a resplendent Anna Netrebko and Placido Domingo in the baritone role. They have some purple patches, particularly in the second act with a stentorian Francesco Meli singing the tenor role. The live recording facilitates some fine singing, although it lacks the immediacy of a staged production. However, it does serve to bring a little-known Verdi opera to modern audiences. deutschegrammophon.com