Ernani backdrop

Ernani 1983 Directed by Kirk Browning , Pier Luigi Samaritani

Great Performances at the Metropolitan Opera

Verdi's early masterpiece is based on a Victor Hugo play with a complicated plot concerning a young woman and the three men vying for her affections—her elderly uncle, a king destined to become Holy Roman Emperor, and a bandit who is actually an overthrown nobleman. Though there is plenty of action arising from the various passions and grudges scattered among these characters, the opera is best appreciated as a feast of beautiful and dramatic Italianate singing. With virtuosic roles for a quartet of principals, the opera delivers one feat of heroic vocalism after another.

Country Italy
Production Country USA
Language Italian
Spoken Language Italian
Release Date 17 December 1983
140 mins
Cast
Leona Mitchell Donna Elvira
Sherrill Milnes Don Carlos
Ruggero Raimondi Don Ruy Gómez de Silva
Charles Anthony Don Riccardo
Jean Kraft Giovanna
MET Orchestra Orchestra