DVD : Verdi: La Traviata -- Venice [1992]

Rating: - A first rate Traviata.
La Traviata. This is truly a beautiful production of Verdi's ever popular Traviata. It is light airy and lively at the start and gradually takes on the tempo of the unfolding tragedy. The settings are superb and catch the changing mood of the opera right through to the heartrending climax. I am very conscious that we all have our favourite Alfredo, however, one could search far and wide to find a more satisfying performance than this from Neil Shicoff. He gave a beautifully sensitive portrayal of the shy lover, he made full use of his talents. His sincerity as an actor/singer is as always unquestioned. His "Un di felice" in Act 1 and "Lunge da lei" to open Act2 were truly moments to remember. Edita Gruberova was a very sound Violetta. Although a little tentative in her big arias in Act I, she really blossomed in the duets. Her long dramatic passages in Act 2 with Germont were handled with real authority. Geogio Zancanaro was solid throughout in the difficult role of the father. His "Di provenza il mar" was a deserved show stopper. All told I loved this production right through to the heartbreaking climax. The picture quality of this DVD was simply superb and the sound played on "surround sound" equipment was just magic. CP