Nabucco

Verdi's third opera 'Nabucco' was his first big stage success after he had actually wanted to give up composing. The 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves', 'Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate', is probably known of every opera-lover and one of the first examples of how Verdi came up with the most expressive melodies whenever he felt sympathy for the oppressed or degraded creature. Apart from the Italian libretto and the common German translation, this edition contains introductory commentaries of Kurt Pahlen who also adds information on the compositional structure and context to the musical as well as external and internal dramatic action of the opera. A short synopsis and a brief outline of the genesis bring the work into relation with the composer's entire oeuvre and life, thus offering a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction.