Verdi: Don Carlos (unabridged version of 1867) / Miles, Vargas, Tamar, Skovhus, Michael / De Billy [2DVD9]

“On this DVD we have the original version performed complete for the first time… It is a notable achievement and musically in most ways fine, if not great. It does, though, make one appreciate Verdi's revisions which were more often than not… clear improvements. The cast is a good team, though Philippe II needs to be a more towering presence than Alastair Miles is; and in the very tricky title role, Ramón Vargas fails to suggest the instability and wildness which are large parts of his character... What is controversial is Peter Konwitschny's production, though by his outrageous standards it is tame.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2007 ***

“On the superb side is the leadership of Bertrand de Billy, who keeps the opera moving with equal emphasis given to both public (political) and private moments, and the work of Vienna's orchestra and chorus. You could hardly ask for more luscious playing…..Ramon Vargas, an ever more convincing and elegant artist […] sings handsomely” Classics Today