Verdi's Nabucco

“This is the opera with which my artistic career really begins,” said Giuseppe Verdi of his 1841 masterpiece, which premiered to great acclaim at La Scala, “and though I had many difficulties to fight against, it is certain that Nabucco was born under a lucky star.” It is perhaps the same lucky star that brought the beloved opera back to the site of its first performance over 170 years later, in this spectacular and visually captivating production by Daniele Abbado, son of maestro Claudio.

Based loosely on scripture and various historical sources, including Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar (Nabucodonosor in Italian), Nabucco tells the story of Babylon’s invasion of Jerusalem and subjugation of the Israelites, whose stirring song of longing for their homeland (Act III closer “Va, pensiero, sull’ali dorate”) is one of the most famous and stirring moments in all of opera. The entire illustrious ensemble works to make this a Nabucco for the ages, led by veteran Leo Nucci in the title role, whose legendary baritone “retains its gorgeous, oaky core and is impressively large, resonating fully from top to bottom and filling the auditorium” (Bachtrack).

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