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Giuseppe VERDI (1813 - 1901) La Traviata – Opera in 3 Acts Libretto – Francesco Maria Piave Violetta Valery - Tiziana Fabbricini Flora Bervoix - Nicoletta Curiel Annina - Antonella Trevisan Alfredo Germont - Roberto Alagna Giorgio Germont - Paolo Coni Gastone, Visconte de Letorières - Enrico Cossutta Barone Douphol - Orazio Mori Marchese d’Obigny - Enzo Capuano Dottor Grenvil - Francesco Musini Giuseppe - Ernesto Gavazzi Domestico di Flora - Ernesto Panariello Commissionario - Silvestro Sammaritano Orchestra and Chorus of La Scala, Milan/Riccardo Muti Rec. La Scala, Milan: March 29, 31, April 2, 7, 1992. SONY CLASSICAL SM2K 90457 [2 CDs: 61’49+74’29]

This really is Italian Opera at its superlative best. Riccardo Muti and the forces assembled under his baton come as close to perfection as it is possible to achieve in this re-issue of the magnificent award winning performance recorded live at La Scala in 1992. The orchestra of La Scala is in exceptional form and proves itself equal to every nuance of the unfolding drama, whilst the incomparably well-matched cast of soloists sings as if life itself depended on it. The celebrated chorus contributes mellifluous, yet articulate cascades of sound and the combined effect really is the epitome of excellence. The opening prelude begins with a searing and commanding tenderness, which fluently leads into a luscious and enveloping cantabile, enhanced by the most subtle and judicious use of rubato. This meticulously crafted prelude consummately sets the scene for the veritable roller coaster of emotions, which is to follow, and the supreme quality maintained throughout further heightens an already intense experience. From the gaiety and exuberance of the opening scene in Violetta’s Paris salon, to the poignant and dramatic moment when she finally drops down dead at Alfredo’s feet, every single note, sung or played, is articulated with an unmistakable sincerity and a mesmerising and transcendent commitment. A musical achievement of such stature is nothing short of heroic and Sony Classics ought to be congratulated for their vision, which allowed a permanent record to be made of this performance. The 20 bit ‘high definition sound’ technology used ensures a technically excellent recording which is mercifully not marred by some of the typical and inappropriate extraneous noises: creaks, squeaks, bumps, thuds and shuffles, so often associated with live recordings. The extremely brief but informative sleeve note emulates the approach of Muti and his musicians by allowing the music speak for itself. This recording has the potential to transform the indifferent listener into a passionate devotee of Italian Opera. Leon Bosch   Gerard Hoffnung CDs Advertising on Musicweb Help us with a donation? New Releases Musicweb sells the following labels Acte Préalable Arcodiva Avie British Music Soc. CDAccord Hallé Hortus Lyrita Nimbus Northern Flowers Redcliffe Sheva Tactus Talent Toccata Classics Follow us on Twitter Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter

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