In Italy, in Mantua and its surroundings, in the 16th century. Although newly in love, the Duke of Mantua extols infidelity. His court jester, Rigoletto, mocks the elderly Monterone, who has come to demand the return of his daughter, whom the Duke has seduced. Monterone casts a curse on Rigoletto. The hitman Sparafucile offers his services to the jester, as a man is lurking around the young woman he is protecting. Rigoletto reflects on his dual role as jester and tormented father, for this young woman—whom the courtiers believe he is hiding a romantic affair with—is in fact his own daughter, Gilda. “Rigoletto” is an Italian opera in three acts and four scenes by Giuseppe Verdi, with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, based on Victor Hugo’s 1832 play “Le roi s’amuse.” It premiered on March 11, 1851, at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice. From the “Tutto Verdi” box set of 27 Verdi operas. Recorded live at the Teatro Regio in Parma on October 16, 20, and 22, 2008.

In March 1282, in Palermo during the Easter celebrations. Duchess Hélène, whose brother has been sentenced to death, is forced by a French soldier to sing. Through her song, she stirs up the Sicilians’ hatred against the French. Montfort, the governor, intervenes and calms everyone down. Henri appears; he has just been pardoned and insults Montfort, unaware that the latter is standing right in front of him... ‘I vespri siciliani’ (The Sicilian Vespers) is a grand opera in five acts by Giuseppe Verdi, with a libretto by Eugène Scribe and Charles Duveyrier. Premiered on 13 June 1855 at the Opéra Le Peletier in Paris. From the box set of 27 Verdi operas, “Tutto Verdi”. Recorded live at the Teatro Regio in Parma on 13 and 17 October 2010.