La Wally

We all know the aria Ebben?...Ne andro lontana right?  The one made famous in the movie Diva from 1981?  It comes from Catalani's La Wally, first performed at La Scala, Milan in 1892 and contains many fine melodies but, afore mentioned soprano aria apart, is known mostly for it's highly unusual and difficult to stage finale, that of the hero and heroine being swept to their deaths by an avalanche.

Here are the final moments from the opera, from the definitive recording by Tebaldi and Del Monaco from 1968.  The use of chorus as the rising wind is a beautiful effect and in this recording we are treated to some gorgeous vintage Decca sfx, not to mention both Tebaldi and Del Monaco in their late prime.