Don Carlo

James Levine leads an all-star ensemble in this memorable telecast of Verdi’s most ambitious opera, seen in John Dexter’s classic production. Renata Scotto is Elizabeth of Valois, the French princess who becomes the wife of Philip II, King of Spain (Paul Plishka)—although she loves his son, Don Carlo (Vasile Moldoveanu). Sherill Milnes sings Posa, Carlo’s friend and the king’s advisor who is secretly aiding a rebellion, and Tatiana Troyanos is Princess Eboli, the King’s scheming mistress who nevertheless wants Don Carlo for herself. Jerome Hines rounds out the cast in the small but crucial role of the sinister Grand Inquisitor. This recording is taken from the “James Levine: Celebrating 40 Years at the Met” DVD box set.