Verdi: Luisa Miller - Metropolitan Opera
You can hear Verdi's genius growing through the course of this opera, in  part because it is about (among other things) parent-child relationships, a  theme that stirred him to the depths of his soul.Luisa Millerbegins in  the manner of early Verdi, goes on to a foretaste of his middle period  (Rigoletto,Traviata) and even hints at his late manner  (Aida,Otello). Placido Domingo's name is (coincidentally) evoked  in his show-stopping aria, "Quando le sere al placido," and that may help  explain the special energy he puts into it. Aprile Millo matches his power after  a slightly strained beginning, and James Levine conducts a performance that is  quite satisfactory (note Paul Plishka as the exquisitely named villain, Wurm),  though many will prefer Peter Maag (on London) or Fausto Cleva (on RCA).--Joe McLellan