Donald Macleod looks at the pros and cons of writing grand opera for Paris with its tradition of lengthy ballet interludes, spectacular sets and lavish costumes, and plays highlights from Verdi's two grand operas written expressly for Paris, which took full advantage of the extravagant resources at his disposal.

Don Carlos ballet music (extract)
Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera House
Conductor, James Levine

Macbeth ballet music
Berlin Phiharmonic Orchestra
Conductor, Claudio Abbado

Les Vêpres siciliennes (Act II extract)
Robert ..... Michael Rippon (baritone)
Jean Procida ..... Ayhan Baran (bass)
Thibault ..... Gerald English (tenor)
Daniéli ..... Bernard Dickerson (tenor)
Hélène ..... Jacqueline Brumaire (soprano)
BBC Chorus and Concert Orchestra
Conductor, Mario Rossi

Don Carlos (extracts)
Don Carlos ..... Richard Margison (tenor)
Rodrigo ..... Dmitri Hvorostovsky (baritone)
Elisabeth ..... Galina Gorchakova (soprano)
Philip ..... Roberto Scandiuzzi (bass)
Count Lerma ..... Robin Leggate (tenor)
Eboli ..... Olga Borodina (mezzo)
Grand Inquisitor ..... Robert Lloyd
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Conductor, Bernard Haitink. Show less