Soprano Ermonela Jaho stars as Violetta Valery, with Charles Castronovo as her lover Alfredo and Placido Domingo as Alfredo's stern father Giorgio Germont, in The Royal Opera's much-loved production of Verdi's La traviata. One of the greatest of all operas, La traviata is based on the novel and play La Dame aux camellias by Alexandre Dumas fils, inspired in turn by the life and death of the real Parisian courtesan, Marie Duplessis. The opera tells the profoundly moving story of a courtesan prepared to sacrifice everything for love, and contains some of Verdi's most beautiful arias and duets. Richard Eyre's engrossing naturalistic production features stunning designs by his regular collaborator Bob Crowley. Italian conductor Antonella Manacorda conducts Verdi's sublime score, which offers a wonderful showcase for the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Royal Opera Chorus.
S**N
Sublime, devastating, flawless Violet
What an utterly devastating, powerful and nearly flawless performance by Jaho. Incredible and the most authentic, visceral and effective Violetta of our generation. Her acting and singing are sublime and as is Castronovo as Alfredo. The only weak link is Domingo as Germont Pere. Though his acting is excellent, the role requires a true baritone which he is not. Nevertheless, he is effective in the Act 2 duets. This video is one for the ages and takes its place among the greatest recordings. Not to be missed!
T**R
Jaho lives Traviata.
Jaho is impressive, both acting and singing. Probably could not have a more involving Traviata. That said, at first I thought she was crying because she was dying of tuberculosis. But on viewing the whole opera, I'm more convinced that she was weeping over the lack of involvement on the part of her co-principals. Domingo probably sings better as a baritone but his acting is still wooden. Castronovo doesn't do anything really wrong, but he doesn't seem truly involved. Overall production is excellent.
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