The Metropolitan Opera presents a 1974 production of Gaetano Donizetti's "L'Elisir d'Amore" on this week's Saturday matinee broadcast. Few roles captured the artistry of the great Luciano Pavarotti as completely as the lovable, simple farmer Nemorino. This is the first time the tenor starred in a broadcast of L’Elisir from the Met, and it shows just why he, his incomparable voice, and his charm were embraced by the entire world. It’s also no wonder that Adina (a sparkling Judith Blegen) finally admits she returns his love. John Reardon is the dashing Sergeant Belcore who momentarily throws a wrench into things, but with some help from Ezio Flagello (Dr. Dulcamara) everything turns out as it should. This production is conducted by Max Rudolf.
Our weekly preview comes from Joshua Borths. You can hear his segments on my "Afternoon Classical" show each Friday afternoon just before 5pm.
Tune in to hear "L'Elisir d'Amore" Saturday afternoon, April 6th at 1pm on VPM Music, 93.1 and 107.3 in central Virginia and streaming online here at vpm.org!
Yours in good music,
Mike Goldberg
Classical Host, VPM Music