This album is a reissue of a previous ORFEO bestseller and features the premiere of the new production from October 1970 in Vienna. The premiere was surrounded by major scandal caused by Karajan's fans, who refused to accept that their idol would not conduct the new production. It didn't help that it was Karajan himself who entrusted the new production to German conductor Horst Stein. And although Stein had been conducting repertory performances at the Vienna State Opera for several years and had previously been a favorite of the local audience, he was greeted this time with a flood of boos at the curtain call, which had nothing to do with his artistic performance. The applause for the singers on opening night, by contrast, was unqualified. The Vienna State Opera had assembled an excellent cast for this "Don Carlo," including the minor roles.

Reviews

"Vienna opera premiere with a star-studded cast. A highly effective ensemble. Spectacular theatrical moments. The highlight of the evening: Verrett's powerfully crafted and magnificently sung Eboli." (Hermes Opera Dictionary)