Verdi Choruses

, the esteemed music director of La Scala Theater in Milan since 2015, leads the Theater's and in a recording of choruses from 's operas, which, of course, are practically interwoven into the fabric of the famous theater. This 2023 release is celebratory in several regards: it was issued to mark 's 70th birthday and the 45th anniversary of his debut at La Scala. 's operas provide numerous choruses that are among the most popular and beloved in the genre, including the present "Va, pensiero" ("Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves") from , the "Anvil Chorus" from , and the Triumphal March and Chorus from . 's program covers operas spanning the composer's career and includes several selections that will be less known to general audiences. Among these, and a good example of the full might of the , is the "Gerusalem!" from . Recorded at the La Scala Theater in Dolby Atmos surround sound, the listener is fully immersed and is treated to the theater's legendary acoustics: consider the "Spuntato ecco il di d'esultanza" from , where the hall's resonance is highlighted between the chorus, orchestra, and offstage brass ensemble. This release will be attractive to those with varying degrees of familiarity with 's music and is sure to leave many whistling a tune. ~ Keith Finke