Nerone

Arrigo Boito is nowadays mainly known for his only completed opera "Mefistofele". The score of "Nerone" remained unfinished after the composer's death - a performance version was completed by the composers Vincenzo Tommasini and Antonio Smareglia, together with Arturo Toscanini, who conducted the world premiere at the Teatro alla Scala in 1924. The plot revolves around Emperor Nero in a time of conflict between belief in the Roman gods and Christianity and ends with tragic drama amid the Great Fire of Rome. The rarely performed work is influenced by Wagner and Sibelius and enchants with its truly exciting harmonies, which are emphasized by the masterful use of a large orchestra.