La traviata

This is a recording of Angela Gheorghiu's debut at Covent Garden and it lives up to its reputation. Gheorghiu is sensational as Violetta, particularly in the final act. She is ably supported vocally by Frank Lopardo, who makes a slightly stodgy Alfredo. Leon Nucci sings Germont in a performance which, in less exalted company, would have stolen the show. This is a lavish and beautiful production and as a record of a staged performance of La Traviata it is unequalled.

I wrote that some time ago and, now, I have to take back the unequalled bit. Angela Gheorghiu's 2007 performance of the same role at La Scala is more mature and at 42 years of age she looks more suited to the role. Also, inevitably, with the passage of time the 1992 film looks a bit dated compared with the widescreen, high-definition 2007 version. So we have two excellent performances from Angela Ghiorghiu but, if you have to pick one, go for La Scala.

Angela Gheorghiu is acknowledged as one of the world's leading sopranos, and received critical acclaim for this performance of La Traviata. But inspite of the wonderful production and the marvellous musical direction of Georg Solti this version of Verdi's masterpiece has failed to win me over.

I am not a fan of Ms.Gheorghiu. Her fast vibrato and small range of vocal colouring, not to mention her less than perfect coloratura (which is needed for this role) make her one of my least favourite Violettas - in spite of her acting ability and fabulous stage presence and stunning looks. Add the baritonal tenor of Frank Loppardo and you have the Perfect (Mis)Match.

Give me Stratas/Domingo any day (such a beautiful Zeffirelli production). Or the wonderful Anna Moffo for understated tragedy.

I remember the huge enthusiasm back in 1994, everybody was talking about this new Traviata at Covent Garden and Angela Gheorghiu was the new star of the opera world. And indeed she still is, what a voice, what a natural charisma, what strong emotions she brings to this role! I admire her for the courage of reprising this role in this particular production many years later, 2010 I think. She was still the best Violetta around, and this after such a long period... Stunning, born to sing, and with the voice of an angel, she is the perfect reincarnation of this character and I think people will listen to her and watch her for hundreds of years because of her unique voice, talent and sincerity on stage. Gheorghiu is the real last diva, something that does not really exists anymore today. I adore this Richard Eyre production, one cannot ask more from Traviata. Leo Nucci is outstanding as Germont, I find the Act 2 duet incredibly touching, its all about real sincerity when performing, I believe them in every second. I adore Frank Lopardo's voice and technique, he is perfectly fit for the role, of course everybody was raving about Gheorghiu but at the same time he deserves a big Bravo! This is the best Traviata to view and to listen at, you'll end up with tears in your eyes (even throughout the performance) and you will want to see and listen to it for many times more!

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