following article
Theme - Don Carlos
Don Carlos in its original version
An interview with Philippe Jordan — By Marion Mirande, Simon Hatab and Felipe Sanguinetti
Without a doubt, the leading production of the new season, Don Carlos brings a vocal dream team to the stage under Krzysztof Warlikowski’s direction. The Paris Opera’s musical director Philippe Jordan talks to us about the work and reveals a few secrets about its preparation.
Tell us about the version of Don Carlos which will be performed at the Opera?
Philippe Jordan : It is the original five-act work with a French libretto, specifically composed by Verdi for the Paris Opera in 1866. At the time of its premiere, several French versions already existed because the composer has edited down his opera to allow theatre-goers who lived outside of Paris to return home at a decent hour. However, a few years ago, the passages cut for practical reasons were rediscovered and re-integrated into the score, allowing us to present the complete original version as initially conceived by Verdi.
How did Verdi draw inspiration from grand French opera?
How does this Don Carlos echo the life of the composer?
Listen to Don Carlos's playlist
Your reading: Don Carlos in its original version