, In continuing the great tradition of DECCA's magnificent MET Opera DVDs, GIORDANO: ANDREA CHÉNIER is captured here in excellent quality, showcasing Luciano Pavarotti the premiere opera star of his day in one his most memorable performances, alongside Maria Guleghina and Juan Pons, with the MET Opera Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by James Levine.

Luciano Pavarotti's assumption of the role ofreal-life French revolutionary poet, Andrea Chénier, led to a celebrated 1984 DeccaCD recording - but has never before been seen on film. Following this year's DVD release of his 1978MET performance as Cavaradossi in Tosca,autumn 2011 will see another classic stage performance from the legendary tenor- in the MET's 1996 TV broadcast of Umberto Giordano's verismo classic.

In Nicolas Joël's glamorous, period-costume staging,Pavarotti is partnered by a young Maria Guleghina, who shines as Chénier'sdoomed innamorata (an invention of Giordano and his librettist Illica), thearistocratic debuttante, Maddalena.

Completing a starry trio of principals is the greatSpanish baritone, Juan Pons, in the role of Carlo Gérard - Chénier's jealous rivalfor Maddalena's affections. The MET's long-servingmusic director, James Levine, is in the pit.

One of the great verismooperatic dramas, Andrea Chénier is notable for the title role's two great soloarias, 'Un dì all'azzurro spazio' (also known as 'L'improvviso') and 'Come unbel dì di maggio', as well as the overwhelming final duet, 'Vicino a te'. ...

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Giordano Andrea Chénier