Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (1995)
A landmark Met Opera broadcast uniting Plácido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, and James Levine in Verdi's darkly powerful masterwork.
Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra - Movie Information
- Original Title: Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra
- Release Year: 1995
- Directed by: Giancarlo Del Monaco, Brian Large
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 2h 20m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Production Companies: The Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Grammophon
- Production Countries: United States of America
Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra - Plot
This evocative production by Giancarlo Del Monaco sumptuously captures the look and feel of 14th century Genoa and is a perfect compliment to Verdi's setting of this story of searing conflict between public duty and private grief. Plácido Domingo is Gabriele Adorno, sworn enemy of the doge of Genoa, Simon Boccanegra (Vladimir Chernov). Gabriele is in love with the beautiful Amelia (Kiri Te Kanawa at her most affecting) who turns out to be none other than the long-lost daughter the doge. James Levine's authoritative conducting of the Met orchestra and chorus reveals the dark power of Verdi's score. Performed January 26th, 1995.
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Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Giancarlo Del Monaco
- Brian Large
Main Cast
- Vladimir Chernov
- Plácido Domingo
- Kiri Te Kanawa
- Robert Lloyd
- Bruno Pola
- Hao Jiang Tian
- James Levine
- Garrick Utley
- Joyce Olson
- Charles Anthony
Writers
- Arrigo Boito
- Francesco Maria Piave
Producers
- Louisa Briccetti
Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra - FAQs
What is Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra about?
This 1995 Met Opera production brings Verdi's gripping tale of 14th-century Genoa to life. It follows Simon Boccanegra, the doge torn between public duty and private grief, as he discovers that Amelia — the woman his sworn enemy loves — is actually his long-lost daughter. It's a story of power, love, and loss.
Is Simon Boccanegra considered one of Verdi's great operas?
Absolutely. Simon Boccanegra is widely regarded as one of Verdi's most dramatically complex and emotionally rich works. Though less frequently staged than Rigoletto or Otello, its dark, brooding score and intricate political drama have earned it a devoted following among opera lovers and critics alike.
Who are the main performers in this production?
The cast is genuinely stellar. Vladimir Chernov takes on the title role of Simon Boccanegra, Plácido Domingo plays Gabriele Adorno, and Kiri Te Kanawa brings warmth and depth to Amelia. Robert Lloyd rounds out the principal cast as Fiesco, with the whole ensemble led by the authoritative baton of James Levine.
Who directed this Met Opera production of Simon Boccanegra?
The stage production was directed by Giancarlo Del Monaco, whose sumptuous staging evokes the atmosphere of medieval Genoa with remarkable visual richness. Brian Large handled the television direction, capturing the performance for home audiences with the cinematic sensitivity he brought to many acclaimed opera broadcasts.
Where can I watch Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (1995)?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for this Met Opera production on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Options may include digital rental or purchase through major video-on-demand services.
What makes James Levine's conducting notable in this recording?
James Levine was one of the great Verdi conductors of his era, and this recording showcases why. His command of the Met Orchestra draws out the score's dark, brooding undercurrents while maintaining dramatic momentum. The chorus, too, is in exceptional form, making this one of the most compelling audio-visual documents of the opera.
Is this production based on a historical story?
Yes, loosely. Simon Boccanegra was a real historical figure — a 14th-century Genoese statesman who served as the first Doge of Genoa. Verdi and his librettists Piave and Boito drew on this history but wove in fictional dramatic elements, particularly the personal tragedy at the opera's emotional core.
What are similar operas or films for fans of this production?
If you enjoyed this production, you might love Amadeus (1984) for its portrait of musical genius, Moonstruck (1987) for its operatic sensibility, or Les Contes d'Hoffmann (2017) for another grand opera on film. The Metropolitan Opera's Dead Man Walking (2023) and Nabucco (2024) are also excellent recent Met productions to explore.
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