Illicit love, suspicion, deception and supernatural portents of doom lead to a shocking drama at a masked ball in 1790s Sweden. The incomparable Placido Domingo stars as the dashing King Gustavus III, whose reforms have inspired talk of assassination among the conservative nobility. Katia Ricciarelli is Gustavus's beloved Amelia, married to his closest friend, Anckarstrom, sung by Piero Cappuccilli. Claudio Abbado conducts the distinguished cast, supported by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera house and Royal Opera Chorus, in Otto Schenk's classic production of this Verdi favorite for The Royal Opera. This recording, with English subtitles, is preserved in its original Standard Definition and 4:3 picture format.