Giuseppe Verdi – Falstaff (Opernquerschnitt)

UPC: ETERNA 8 25 520

Product Details:

• Format: 1x Vinyl LP, Stereo (Russian Labels) 
• Country: German Democratic Republic (GDR) 
• Released: 1965 
• Genre: Classical / Opera 
• Language: Italian 
• Conductor: Herbert von Karajan 
• Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra London 
• Baritone: Tito Gobbi

Overview

Giuseppe Verdi’s final opera Falstaff, a radiant comedy of human folly and charm, is distilled in this operatic highlights LP (Opernquerschnitt) featuring celebrated Italian baritone Tito Gobbi in the title role. Verdi, at the height of his dramatic prowess in his 80th year, transformed Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor into a nimble, sparkling score. This condensed performance, captured under the masterful baton of Herbert von Karajan, is executed with the crisp elegance of the Philharmonia Orchestra London, blending wit and orchestral precision in a superb stereo production.

This ETERNA edition, originally issued in the GDR with Russian-language label text, brings together a cast of legendary voices—Schwarzkopf, Moffo, Barbieri, Alva, and others—forming a rich sonic tapestry of ensemble interplay and vocal artistry.

Product Features

• Complete operatic highlights from Verdi’s Falstaff in Italian.
• Tito Gobbi in one of his signature roles, recorded at the peak of his vocal and dramatic powers.
• Conducted by Herbert von Karajan, offering a brisk, refined interpretation.
• Backed by the Philharmonia Orchestra London, delivering precision and color.
• Features Philharmonia Chorus and a star-studded supporting cast.
• Includes full scenes and arias: from Falstaff’s boastful antics to the ethereal Windsor park finale.
• Stereo pressing with Russian labels; produced in East Germany by VEB Deutsche Schallplatten.
• Cover photo from a Staatsoper Berlin stage performance.

Track Listing

Side A

1. Sei Pollisi Sei Scellini / Ehi! Paggio!
2. Alice! Meg! Nanetta!
3. Torna All'Assolto! / Udrai Quanta Egli Sfoggia
4. Alice Mia!
5. E Sogno? O Realtà / Eccomi Qua, Son Pronto

Side B

1. Gaie Comari Di Windsor! / Alfin T'ho Colta / Che C’è Dentro
2. Ehi! Taverniere! / Mondo Lodro! / Reverenza
3. Ninfe! Elfi! / Alto La!
4. Tutto Nel Mondo È Burla (Final Scene)

Key Credits

• Baritone (Falstaff): Tito Gobbi
• Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
• Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra London
• Chorus: Philharmonia Chorus
• Notable Voices: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Anna Moffo, Fedora Barbieri, Nan Merriman, Luigi Alva, Nicola Zaccaria, Rolando Panerai
• Graphics: Klaus Boerger
• Photography: M. Schöne
• Liner Notes: Ernst Krause

BOX #154