LA FAVORITA Cossotto, Kraus, Bruscantini (NHK 1971) (DVD)

A thrilling and sublimely sung 1971 performance of one of Donizetti’s most beautiful scores, starring two of opera’s most magnificent artists, mezzo-soprano Fiorenza Cossotto and tenor Alfredo Kraus. The powerful supporting cast includes baritone Sesto Bruscantini as King Alfonso and bass Ruggero Raimondi as Baldassare.The NHK Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of the great maestro Oliviero de Fabritiis. Includes optional subtitles in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Color, 163 minutes, 4:3, All regions LA FAVORITA Opera in Four Acts Music by Gaetano Donizetti Libretto by Alphonse Royer and Gustave Vaëz Cast: Leonora - Fiorenza Cossotto Fernando - Alfredo Kraus Alfonso XI - Sesto Bruscantini Baldassarre - Ruggero Raimondi Don Gasparo - Augusto Pedroni Ines - Marisa Zotti The NHK Symphony Orchestra NHK Italian Opera Chorus (The Members of the Japan Chorus Union) Tokyo City Ballet Troupe Oliviero De Fabritiis, conductor (September 13, 1971, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan)