Verdi: Un ballo in maschera [A Masked Ball] (complete opera recorded in 1990)

The outstanding production of Verdi's Un ballo in maschera at the Salzburg Festival 1989/90 was Herbert von Karajan's legacy to the Festival.

Supported by a cast of superlative actor-singers in opulent scenery, Sir Georg Solti agreed to conduct the opera at short notice after Karajan's unexpected death in 1989. The production had been expected to be a highlight in Karajan's series of Verdi operas at Salzburg. But this was not to be: stage rehearsals had already begun for the opening performance of the 1989 festival when Karajan died on 16 July. So it was extraordinarily lucky that a conductor of Sir Georg Solti's standing was prepared to undertake the task just a week before the premiere, and with the whole world watching.

He and the staging by Hollywood film director John Schlesinger were acclaimed by audience and press alike.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo

Picture Format: 4:3