December 12, 2008.

Perhaps the most moving Traviata ever.

Rating: 5
I will admit to having some doubts about this performance before viewing it. First, several years ago, I gave a glowing review to the DVD and CD of the performance under Solti, finding Angela Gheorghiu to be the definitive Violetta. Second, I have been less than satisfied with some of Renee Fleming's recent performances on CD, finding them to be mannered and self-indulgent. Well, all my misgivings were rendered unwarranted. This performance is a knockout.

Admittedly, Renee Fleming has become "larger than life," to the point that it is not always possible for her to disappear inside her roles; you always know that you are watching the great Renee. But that fact did not diminish her performance, at least after getting past the first act (which for me is merely warm-up for the second and third acts, which, on their own could be the greatest opera ever). She sang with glorious, refulgent tone throughout, but never let it get in the way of her making a dramatic impact.

Rolando Villazon just about matches Ms. Fleming both in beauty of tone and dramatic intensity. He may be the most believable Alfredo on video. And the chemistry between the two leads is palpable.

La Traviata is by far my favorite opera and I have heard and seen it hundreds of times. Nevertheless, this performance left me in tears. Admittedly, Marta Domingo directs with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and her costume and set designer follows her lead. But such is the magic of the performances by the two leads that if I could have only one recording of the opera, I would choose this one, despite the outstanding work of Angela Gheorghiu in her Covent Garden performance. Renee Fleming gives an equally moving and perhaps even better-sung performance, and Rolando Villazon and Renato Bruson are FAR superior to Frank Lopardo and Leo Nucci (even though, like Nucci, Bruson has passed the point at which he can give a performance worthy of his talent).

This DVD is ESSENTIAL for any opera-lover's collection.

December 24, 2008.

A beautiful production.

Rating: 4
Martha Domingo's production has taste and style. Opera lovers are lucky to experience - in the days of Euro trash - a well done Traviata.
I was relieved that Ms.Domiongo's direction seems to have eliminated some of
Rolando Villazon's clownish acting we had to endure in the unbearable Salzburg production.
I like Renee Fleming's well sung and acted Violetta, and she looks beautiful.However, her interpretation is marred by the missing E flat.Violetta is a part sung by a multitude of sopranos, and if a star soprano attempts it, she should be spectacular in every way. Usually, she is not shy of acuti - so why not here, where everybody expects it?! And where it is part of the score!

December 11, 2008.

La Traviata.

Rating: 5
This is a fresh, beautifully sung Traviata. The charisma between the two leads is breathtaking. They are both so beautiful to listen to and beautiful to look at. Fleming puts so much into Violetta. I can't imagine a better version.

December 16, 2008.

Sumptuous, beautiful - the way La Traviata should be..

Rating: 5
This production contrasts sharply with the one from Salzburg one year earlier (Willy Decker), and is tons better directed by Mrs. Marta Domingo.
The singers? Renee Fleming, though not as young as Anna Netrebko, is not one jot 'older' in every sense: vocally, visually, pscychologically. Her Violetta is utterly believable, tradition-bound, authentic to the utmost. She is charming, sophisticated, cultured, deeply affectionate towards Alfredo, and has all the hidden dignity associated with a woman of such station in life.
Ms. Fleming demonstrates here that SHE is right now opera's lyrical prima donna; not Netrebko nor Gheorghiu. And I am NOT an American when I state this FACT. The different facets of vocal requirement on the role of Violetta Valery are all fully met by Ms. Fleming. One could not really wish for more.
Villazon here is also tons better than in Salzburg. He is able to bring off much more fireworks than in the earlier performance, which by an large is a one-woman show by Anna Netrebko.
The role of Germont is also wonderfully brought home by Renata Bruson.
The sets and scenary are simply lovely.
For beginners and vertan lovers of Western opera, this production really sets the role model in every sense.
Most highly recommended.

December 29, 2008.

Beautiful Woman Beautiful Singing.

Rating: 5
The part for Violetta, a beautiful young woman, is actually played by a beautiful young woman. Renee Fleming is perfect in the role. All the other parts are filled with the perfect singer to play them as well.

This may be the most perfect production possible, so revel in the glorious music and savor the delicious melodrama.