It's not my favourite Verdi opera; too long--almost four hours--and the plot is a bit convoluted, yet there are some stunning scenes of conflict between the main characters. Thomas Hampson and Matti Salminen have a duet that is remarkable in its forcefulness, as Philip advises Posa to beware of the Inquisitor; you are left in no doubt that Philip will sacrifice Posa to the inquisition if he's backed into a corner. Then there's the visit of the Inquisitor to Philip, so menacing as we see how crazy the priest is. This video should be seen by anyone who wants to hear great singing and has the patience to sit through an opera of Wagnerian length.
