Positively, Ernani is a beautiful opera, not only in music, but in presentation on stage. It has a bouncy quality; light, yet somehow intensely dramatic. Verdi makes use of sonority very effectively to create various moods.

We must forgive the libretto.

I find it amazing what Price and Bergonzi are able to do together. There is a perfect quality that results from the understanding that each artist has for the composer and each other. They are on equal ground and hauntingly beautiful at times. Flagello has a round, rich, and lovely tone.

This performance lacks passion and for that reason it is not perfect because all the "style" and technique in the world (which are so prized in our times) cannot replace and will never replace what the soul longs for. Mr. Verdi himself said: "I am more than ever convinced that for works of music you must have above all: fire, spirit, muscle, and enthusiasm."

The 1951 Cetra Ernani with Mancini and Prevatali conducting is full of spirit and generosity, but this one is the most beautiful.

This Ernani(a neglected early masterpiece)has the most exciting moments of any other Verdi I know, and I know most of them. All three principal singers are in great voice,especially Sereni whose role carries the action forward. Bergonzi here earns the respect he has not often seen in a lengthy career and many recordings with famous divas. Price is, of course a legendary star. This period of Verdi is called oom-pah because of the rythmic choral and orchestral passages inspired by Verdi's early street music. That's the root of this opera's excitement. PRIMA!