VERDI - La Traviata Virgin Classics DVD 730798 9 [JWh] : Classical Music Reviews

I first came across La Traviata as a teenager sitting in the pit orchestra for an amateur production in Leicestershire. The tuneful, dramatic music and touching story immediately made a huge impact. It actually converted me to opera and because of this La Traviata has always been very special to me. This DVD captures a performance of a new production by the French director Jean-François Sivadier and very good it is too. It was staged in the open air in Aix-en-Provence and the excitement of the occasion is palpable.

It’s dominated by the Violetta of Natalie Dessay and the Alfredo of American tenor Charles Castronovo. They are complemented by the excellent French baritone Ludovic Tézier as Giorgio Germont and a vivacious supporting cast. From the offset, the diminutive Dessay sets the tone. Her Violetta is a lively, attractive, modern young woman living life to the full. Very early on it’s also pretty clear that all is not what it seems and she doesn’t have long to live. The chemistry between her and Alfredo is obvious from their first meeting - the smiles and sideways glances at each other are well captured by the cameras. Violetta’s confused state of mind, caused by her meeting with Alfredo, is wonderfully done both dramatically and musically. As a couple they are believable and likeable. Because of this the viewing audience is immediately concerned about the outcome of their relationship. You become increasingly drawn into the action. Credit for this level of believability and realism must also be given to the director Jean-François Sivadier.

The production uses modern dress and the stage itself is uncluttered with minimal scenery. It works really well. The minimalist approach actually concentrates the mind on the unfolding drama. The drama itself is wonderfully managed and there are many little details that bring the whole thing to life. One example is the Act 1 Brindisi, where one of the cast actually stage directs Alfredo. This also occurs in other parts of the opera as it unfolds. The cast are also their own stage hands, moving chairs around the stage and unfurling the back-drops. It’s very refreshing.

Now to Violetta. What a performance this is! Her decline from vivacious party animal to sickly dying woman is quite shocking. During the Prelude to Act III she slowly removes her wig and all of a sudden the reality of her situation is brought home with harrowing, devastating effect. If her final duet with Alfredo doesn’t bring a tear to your eye then you must have a heart of stone. As a dramatic portrayal, Dessay’s performance is outstanding. Musically it’s just as good. She owns the stage - Oh dear, I’ve become an X Factor judge! This is a star in action, of that there can be little doubt. It takes two to tango to bring this opera fully to life and Castronovo turns in a great performance alongside her. The orchestral contribution by the LSO conducted by Louis Langrée is top class. The sound quality is good rather than excellent. There is some manipulation of the balance with intimate moments being boosted and the louder sections cut back. The audience is quiet and there is some ambient background noise - don’t forget that it was staged outdoors - but it’s not very noticeable. Visually the DVD production is clean, fresh and involving. Close action is well caught but it’s not all in your face. There are plenty of wide shots to give a complete overview of the stage when appropriate. This is a superb production and well worth seeking out.

John Whitmore

see also review by Robert Farr

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