“Il bacio” by Francesco Hayez.

I reviewed the Metropolitan Opera’s revival of Il trovatore for The Classical Review, and I include a “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez in this post because he seems to me a much more germane visual reference for Trovatore than Goya. In 2011, there was an exhibit entitled “Hayez in Verdi and Manzoni’s Milan” that I am sad to have missed.

How about a little Trovatore playlist?

• Ildebrando d’Arcangelo as Ferrando in the opening scene, with Antonio Pappano conducting.
• Giuseppe de Luca (in 1907) sings “Il balen del suo sorriso.”
• Carlo Bergonzi sings “Ah sì, ben mio” (with trills, or an approximation thereof, grazie).
• Maria Callas in the prison scene, with Herbert von Karajan conducting.

Back soon, I hope! mwah!

Friends, it has been a rollicking few months! Over at my Callas blog, I posted about some recent articles.

Back at you soon, and VIVA VERDI!