Rating: 
Summary: Traviata = wonderful
Review: This gorgeous opera is given a wonderful treatment in this terrific DVD. Of course, the music is splendid- probably Verdi's most beautiful score. For me, the first act is the most perfect 30 minutes of music ever. And it gets its full due here.This is a filming of the Covent Garden, London show with the, then new, Angela Gheorghiu in 1994. Now she's a superstar.And this production is one of the reasons why. She is spectacular as the dying Violetta. Her tone, acting, and beauty make her unforgettable in this role. The rest of the cast is also fine. And it's hard to believe that this was the first time that the venerable George Solti had ever directed "La Traviata." That's amazing. And, of course, he is wonderful. As for the DVD itself, the sound (5.1) is perfect, and so is the filming of the production. The booklet has an OK essay, and a good synopsis of the opera. It also has a helpful listing of all chapters so you can find a specific place in the score. And, of course, sub-titles. No extra features, but you rarely find them on opera discs. All in all an excellent package. Give me more like this.
Rating:
Summary: Great Stage Production
Review: This great opera written by Verdi in 1853 was based on Alexandre Dumas La Damme aux camelias. Traviata's first performance was at Venice's Gran Teatro La Fenice on March 6th 1853. Operas presented in film versions do not represent the true meaning of this genre. This version is a stage production!!
The Covent Garden performance of Traviata with Sir Georg Solti conducting The Royal Opera Chorus and Orchestra is captured in digital 5.1 channels which completly fills the room with the most beautiful arias. The dance of the "bullfighters" ( second act) at Traviata's party in Paris is a major choreographic extravaganza and plays an important role in the opera.
Unfortunaly, this version down plays it significantly. Overall, this production is magnificent with excellent performances by Angela Gheorghiu as Violetta. If operas were included in the Oscars, Ms. Gheorghiu would de a clear winner. If you are an opera lover, this is a must item in your library.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent!!!
Review: This is a beautiful stage production of "La Traviata" and it is FINALLY available on dvd!!! I waited years for this to happen!!
Ms. Gheorghiu has everything Verdi wanted Violetta to look like on stage. She outplays and outsings Teresa Stratas in the film version. The tenor played his role of Alfredo well, but his acting skills are limited. The baritone playing Giorgio Germont (Alfredo's father) appears distracted as he looks at the camera or at the audience. He however, sings his arias beautifully.
Overall, the production is magnigicent recorded in 5.1 channels of pure digital sound. The picture is also perfect. I was glad and sad to see the late Sir. Georg Solti conducting the orchestra with so much passion. He was one of the great conductors of our times together with Jeffrey Tate, Neville Mariner and Karajan to mention few.
I highly recommend it!!!
Rating:
Summary: Best Traviata
Review: This is an outstanding Traviata, the best I have seen.
Rating:
Summary: Gheorghiu and Lopardo Shine
Review: This is my favorite video recording of 'La Traviata'. Lopardo's introduction to the "Brindisi" in Act I, and his acting in the fanale, lend a humor and humanity to Alfredo that is rare on the opera stage. Gheorghiu especially shines an Act II; watch her hands. With her hands on stage, she could have phoned in the rest of the performance. This was Georg Solti's last video and his conducting showed a sensitivity that will be the finest testament to his own career. The sets and costumes are up to the usual high standards of the Royal Opera.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular
Review: This is the first opera I have purchased on DVD and was not disappointed. On the contrary, I was blown away. This is due mostly to two things: Angela Gheorghiu's heartbreaking, mesmerizing performance as Violetta, and Sir Georg Solti's masterful handling of the score. I have always been a Gheorghiu fan, particularly the times I've seen her in the opera house, but I was unprepared for the depth and feeling she displays here. And the voice! Just remarkable. Frank Lopardo's Alfredo and Leo Nucci's Germont are both top-rate, but this really is Gheorghiu's show. I have some quibbles with the production (where does Violetta live anyway, in the bottom of a barrel?) but on the whole it's splendid. Ok, so the stage is a little crowded at times, with the singers manuevering uneasily around furniture, people etc. And while the Act IV set is truly eye-catching, Violetta"s "magic mirror" has got to go. So all in all, the production's a mixed bag. But by all means get this DVD. Thak goodness the BBC had the forethought to capture what has already become a legendary debut. Watching "La Traviata," there's never any question why.
Rating:
Summary: THIS La Traviata is PERFECT!
Review: This is the La Traviata as visualized by Verdi. Angela Gheorghiu IS Violetta Valery. I have seen this opera all my life, but never have I seen the equal of this performance. Sir Georg Solti and the rest of the cast, plus Gheorghiu, make this the La Traviata which you MUST have.
Rating:
Summary: Brava, Madama!
Review: This opera comes at the height of Gheorghiu-madness, when she was a budding opera star coming full force onto the scene!
This is the BEST sung La Traviata, at least on the female side. The often-painfully sung "Follie... Sempre Libera" is PERFECTION in beautiful Gheorghiu's hands, sung powerfully without strain or painful-sounding noises, er notes. =)
The only weakness is a somewhat weak, nasally Alfredo. But Frank Lopardo is a great tenor despite this tendency.
The elf-like late Sir Solti was a brilliant masterful conductor.
Sets are minimal, acting is fantastic (as it happens, some of the best actors, like Pavarotti, are poor as actors), the singing is superb.
Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful achievement
Review: This shows us what all the shouting was about and no wonder Solti called Decca and said, "Get over here!" Gheorghiu is splendid from beginning to end. But she also had a wonderful director in Richard Eyre who certainly made some interesting choices along the way - Violetta alone at the top of the opera waiting for her guests; her running round the room at the end with one last burst of energy before she dies. Plus the director had a woman who could act. Plus she's really beautiful and knows how to handle her body. Watch the way she uses her arms. Watch as she unpins her hair as she sings sempre libre becoming once again a young girl for just a moment. This is an actress. It's wonderfully designed and costumed as well. Her Alfredo is good but is at his best during the last act. At the end you knew you had seen and heard something wonderful and wished you had been at Covent Garden that night. Fortunately it was taped. I recommend this highly. It's wonderful opera and wonderful theatre.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Stunning!
Review: Visually, musically, and emotionally -- all the critical aspects of a successful opera experience come together here superbly. A totally satisfying opera-DVD experience all around, with Gheorghiu shining like the sun in the middle of it all, breaking your heart with her pain. My heartfelt thanks to the many reviewers here who so enthusiastically recommended this version of this beautiful, heartbreaking opera. To those who have not seen it -- don't hesitate, buy this one now!
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