In the Met Opera’s own description: “ancient Babylon comes alive in this classic staging of biblical proportions.” The opera that saved Verdi from a troubled period (when he actually considered quitting music) is one of the Italian composer’s greatest artistic achievements. Nabucco follows the story of the king of Babylon and the expulsion of the Jews from their land, with such musical fervour that it made Verdi a national hero. Many of the passages eventually gained a stand-alone popularity and the moving chorus Va, pensiero gives us a chance to appreciate all its sumptuousness.