Boito: Nerone

Arrigo Boito is primarily known today for his only completed opera, “Mefistofele”. The score for “Nerone” remained unfinished after the composer’s death – a performance version was completed by composers Vincenzo Tommasini and Antonio Smareglia, together with Arturo Toscanini, who conducted the world premiere at the Teatro alla Scala in 1924. The plot focuses on Emperor Nero during a time of conflict between the belief in the Roman gods and Christianity and ends with tragic drama amidst the Great Fire of Rome. The rarely performed work is influenced by Wagner and Sibelius and captivates with truly exciting harmony, which comes to bear through the masterful use of a large orchestra. This recording is the audio release of the previously published DVD and Blu-ray. Francesco Cilluffo, First Guest Conductor of the Wexford Festival Opera and an up-and-coming star, conducts the Orchestra e Coro del Teatro Lirico di Cagliari. The singers are Valentina Boi, soprano, Deniz Uzun, mezzo-soprano, Mikheil Sheshaberidze, tenor, as well as Roberto Frontali and Franco Vassallo, both baritones.