La Traviata is one of Verdi's finest operas, and one of the most dramatically concise and affecting. On the whole this Madrid production is very good, not the best Traviata on DVD(Franco Zeffirelli's film, though the DVD competition is very solid) but far superior to the Patrizia Ciofi and Natalie Dessay productions. Visually, it has really striking colours and there is some real luxury and tastefulness, especially in Act 1. Costumes are elegant and generally traditional. The video directing and picture quality are very clear and show you many little details that you might have missed if you watched it live. The staging is romantic, intense and moving, most of all involving. Apart from the Nazi officers and the female nudity, which may and did come across as vulgar, it didn't fall into distaste. Musically it is close to outstanding, with the sound quality as clear as the picture quality and video directing. The orchestra play stylishly with a ravishing sound, the preludes have a shimmering quality to them as they ought, while the chorus sing with vibrancy and great commitment. Jesus Lopez-Cobos conducts sensitively and with great musicianship. Norah Amsellem's Violetta is deeply felt and in Act 3 heart-breaking, she actually looks terminally ill in this act in a way that has only been done better in Zeffirelli's film. Her singing is wonderful on the whole, in Act 2 her tone is beautiful with some steel when needed and there is some truly lovely pianissimo singing, Sempre Libera in Act 1 though was a little strained. Jose Bros is also good as Alfredo, outstanding in ensembles especially in Parigi O Cara, singing elegantly and with ring that is ideal for Italianate and Bel Canto opera. He is a good partner for Amsellem, though his acting can lack subtlety. Renato Bruson's acting for Germont is spot-on, authoritative, stern and sympathetic in equal measures. His voice lacks the richness it had in its prime though and can sound rather unsteady and worn. The supporting roles are very well-done. Overall, a fine production, not 100% but with undeniably good things. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox
