Dukes and Daggers and Jester's Bells

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 36, 22 March 1929, Page 7

Dukes and Daggers and Jester's Bells

Wonderful Recording of "Rigoletto" to be Broadcast HE proposal to broadcast from time to time some of the best of the grand operas, such as was done in the case of Wagner’s famous "Valkyrie," which was broadcast by 8YA and 4YA, will be continued in the presentation of "Rigoletto." The first instalment will be presented by 1YA on April 10, and this will be followed by a later presentation at the other stations. . The broadcasting of grand opera in this way gives listeners an opportunity of hearing the music of these famous compositions, as sung by the greatest of living artists. Electrically reproduced, the renditions are perfect, and listeners are therefore privileged to hear grand opera presented in a way they could never hope to hear unless in the La Scala Theatre, Mijian, the home of Italian Opera for two hundred and fifty years. This comprehensive recording of an entire opera, with full choruses, arias, and orchesiral score, is a wonderful achievement. The most beautiful operatic music in the world is interpreted by the foremost artists and orchestras. Throughout the radio presentations the necessary explanatory and descriptive details will be given in order that listeners may more fully understand the story of the opera and visualise each scene. Here is colour, intrigue, action...melodrama in its most gorgeous form...inusic at its lyric best... this swashbuckling, bloodthirsty, lurid and immensely loveable old opera called "Rigoletto." Here it is in its entirety, with its "Caro Nome," its ‘"La Donna e Mobile," and its famous Quartet. Could anything more delight the soul of the opera-goer? In fifteen rcuble-faced records is contained one of the richest outpourings of Verdi’s meledic genius. And every bar of it is performed with a spirit, an elegance and precision rarely heard on any operatic stage. , The libretto of "Rigoletto" was adapted from Victor Hugo’s play, "Le Roi s’Amvse," im which Verdi saw distinct operatic possibilities. The Venetian police, however, flatly refused to countenance a work in which a king was shown in such dubious character. Verdi, himself, was equally obdurate, and matters were at a standstill when the local chief of pclice, an ardent operatic enthusiast, saved the day by suggesting the sutstitution of the Duke of Mantua for Francois I. This was done, Verdi wrote the music in six weeks, and the opera was produced with immense suczess on March 11, 1851. UHH AMHIUHMMTITTUTTITUTTLU TUM HUTHTTTLUU MMU MMT HNTMANANTMMMAAATIAAAMM MMU TTIMULLIUM ELIHU HUULIUTAILUUILLTEEIUIT AHI HyT1009