Verdi: Nabucco / Scotto, Muti

Matteo Manuguerra, Renata Scotto, Elena Obraztsova, Veriano Luchetti, Nicolai Ghiaurov / Philharmonia Orchestra, Riccardo Muti

The chorus of the Hebrew slaves from Nabucco, ‘Va, pensiero’, has achieved iconic status. Indeed, when it was first heard at La Scala in 1842, the public perceived it as an allegory for Italy’s subjugation to Austria and the composer became a hero. Nabucco – King Nebuchadnezzar – has two daughters, the ruthless Abigaille (in fact born a slave) and the gentle Fenena, whose love for the Hebrew Ismaele causes her to join his people. After the opening act, which takes place in Jerusalem, under attack from Nabucco’s forces, the rest of the action is set in Babylon. In a moment of hubris, Nabucco declares himself God and is struck by madness, and Abigaille declares herself ruler. She condemns all the Hebrews – including Fenena – to death. Nabucco comes to his senses, begs forgiveness from God and saves the Hebrews. Abigaille takes poison and, repentant, dies. Verdi’s score is full of youthful vigour. The role of Abigaille is notoriously demanding for the soprano, and her striking Act II aria exploits extremes of vocal register and expression. Nabucco is a prototype for all the great Verdi baritone roles that followed, notably in the rolling lines of his prayer ‘Dio di Giuda’.