La traviata

La Traviata is one of my favourite Verdi operas, perhaps even my favourite, not just for the timeless story and characters but the music is sublime especially Ditta Alla Giuvine, Sempre Libera, Di Provenza and Addio del passato.

This Covent Garden production is exquisite. It isn't my favourite La Traviata though, that'll be a tie between the 1982 Zeffirelli film and the one with Anna Moffo, both are perfection. That said, this is a very lavishly produced production with gorgeous costumes and sets, while the beautiful music is superbly played and conducted.

Angela Gheorghiu especially in Addio del Passato is a wonderful Violetta. Perhaps her colouratura in Sempre Libera could have been a little more, but her understated acting and beautiful voice really help lift. Frank Lopardo is dashing Alfredo with a great voice, even if his acting occasionally is a tad lacking he makes up for it by his chemistry and voice projection. Leo Nucci as Germont is excellent, a very healthily produced voice and he also manages the acting in an intelligent and sympathetic manner making Ditta Alla Giuvine even more touching than it already was.

All in all, this Traviata is wonderful. 9/10 Bethany Cox