UN BALLO IN MASCHERA Bergonzi, Stella, Zanasi (NHK 1967) (DVD)

Arguably Giuseppe Verdi’s greatest study in chiaroscuro, Un Ballo in Maschera pits the principal characters' searing personal tragedies against the frivolity of the Royal Court of 18th-century Sweden. This live 1967 performance brings together the talents of two legendary Verdians: tenor Carlo Bergonzi and soprano Antonietta Stella, supported by a first-rate cast, including Mario Zanasi as Renato, Margherita Guglielmi as Oscar, and Lucia Danieli as Ulrica. The NHK Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of the legendary maestro Oliviero de Fabritiis. DVD Bonus: An exclusive interview with Antonietta Stella (Rome, 2008). Optional subtitles in English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish.
Color, 145 minutes [Bonus: 24 minutes], 4:3, All regions

UN BALLO IN MASCHERA
Opera in Three Acts
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Antonio Somma

Cast:
Gustavo - Carlo Bergonzi
Amelia - Antonietta Stella
Renato - Mario Zanasi
Oscar - Margherita Guglielmi
Ulrica - Lucia Danieli
Cristiano - Mario Frasca
Samuel - Plinio Clabassi
Tom - Antonio Zerbini

The NHK Symphony Orchestra
Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus
Oliviero de Fabritiis, conductor