Verdi: Simon Boccanegra / Domingo, Calleja

Placido Domingo, Mariana Polavskaya, Joseph Calleja, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Jonathan Summers, Lukas Jakobski / Royal Opera Chorus / Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Antonio Pappano

Verdi: Simon Boccanegra

Plácido Domingo’s triumphant “return” to his baritone roots (his first debut with the Mexican National Opera, in 1959, was as a baritone), is captured in this stunning 2-DVD set of the Royal Opera House’s 2010 production of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra. Domingo is joined by Mariana Polavskaya, Joseph Calleja, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Jonathan Summers and Lukas Jakobski in this Antonio Pappano-conducted performance, directed by Elijah Moshinsky. The Simon Boccanegra release features exclusive bonus material, including a “Back Stage with Plácido Domingo” featurette and an interview with director Moshinsky. There is an additional audio function which features introductions to each of the opera’s scenes (in English with subtitles). Simon Boccanegra is Verdi’s magnificent telling of a humble 14th century Genoan who rises to become Doge of the great city. The plot centres on the political intrigues between Boccanegra (Domingo) and his adversary, the aristocratic Jacopo Fiesco and the discovery of his long-lost daughter, Amelia. This story – though replete with an inevitable tragic conclusion – is ultimately one of hope, as the two great men are able to rise above their power-driven animosities to ensure peace amongst their beloved Genoa’s warring factions and by placing familial and civic love ahead of their own individual desires. This stunning production garnered critical acclaim for Domingo and cast, especially Ferruccio Furlanetto. In a market full of Domingo birthday and anniversary reissue products, this 2-DVD release is a much anticipated new recording and performance.