Verdi: La Traviata [DVD Video]
![Verdi: La Traviata [DVD Video]](/images/Verdi-La-Traviata-DVD-Video-B0019K06S6-L.jpg)
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DVD Cover Information
DVD: Region Code 0Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Italian (Subtitled); Japanese (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); Italian (Original Language)
Format: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 129 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-06-10
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Video Artists Int'l
Movie Reviews of Verdi: La Traviata [DVD Video]
Movie Review: A close to ideal Traviata
Summary: 5 Stars
Initially I was reluctant to write this review since I would be following Albert Innaurato's but then I figured what the hell, why not? especially since he is so spot on and the performance is so marvelous. My only regret is that every standard cut that could be made at the time was made. Considering that the opera is not that long and surely all the singers would have been up to a more inclusive text, I have often wondered why these cuts existed for so long. No matter since what is left is as close to a "Traviata Perfection" that I can't imagine it being bettered. I was surprised to find Bruscantini singing the Elder Germont; it is not a "beautiful" voice but it is Italian and as a consequence is fully integrated into the production. I would have preferred Zanasi (from the Tokyo Lucia)but what we are given is well worth the investment. Since the Japanese subtitles cannot be eliminated I opted for no subtitles to be added. For most auditors I would think subtitles for this opera (ditto Boheme, Tosca, etc.)would not be necessary.
I wish Sony/BMG would release the Traviata with Fabriccini and Alagna. It is a conventional production from Scala, and a fuller text. Paolo Coni would not be my ideal Germont, but he is at least acceptable. The "regie" productions from Fenice, Salzburg, et.al. sound most unappealing even though the singing has been applauded. In the meantime it is more than easy to "make do" with Scotto or Gheorghiu.
Summary of Verdi: La Traviata [DVD Video]
This DVD documents a 1973 live performance of La Traviata in Tokyo featuring Renata Scotto, an established star, and the young José Carreras, at the start of his international career. Scotto was known for the intensity of her singing and the beauty of her voice, a necessary combination for anyone taking the role of Violetta. The first Act imposes major challenges for a soprano; she starts strong with some exciting hairpin turns in the drinking song, sensitive tonal shadings in the love duet, and many brilliant moments in the big scene from È strano through to Sempre libera, only some shaky coloratura marring the latter. From then on, she?s in terrific form; the confrontation with the elder Germont crackling with tension, the party scene a study in pathos, and the final death scene sung with tragic dignity. Her acting is subtle too, though fans from her MET days will be surprised to see a chubbier singer than the diva they knew best. The young Carreras is an ideal partner for her, the voice a stream of golden tones. His phrasing is perceptive, conveying emotions clearly, softening his tone for love duets, forceful but never resorting to shouting in his anger. The veteran bass-baritone Sesto Bruscantini is a major plus for this production in the role of the elder Germont. His is a bigger, more forceful voice than one usually hears in the role, and he uses it with more color and verbal specificity than most baritones, helping to make Di Provenza sound less four-square than usual. Smaller parts are well-taken and Nino Verchi conducts efficiently, keeping things moving without offering any special insights. The same may be said for the video direction, blessedly free of too-tight closeups and nervous camera movements. Color and sound are fairly good, save for a touch of graininess. Sets and costumes are traditional and functional; after a while you don?t even notice them, something one wishes could be said about some other productions. Stage direction is minimal; this is largely a stand-and-deliver performance. There?s lots of competition in the La Traviata DVD universe, including such outstanding entries as the Covent Garden production led by Solti starring Angela Gheorghiu, a Los Angeles production starring Renee Fleming and Rolando Villazon, and a concept version from Salzburg notable for its leads, Villazon again, and Anna Netrebko. But true Verdians will always want multiple versions of favorite operas and Scotto and Carreras fans will want, nay, need this document of their younger selves. --Dan DavisLa Traviata is an all-regions disc in 4:3 ratio and NTSC color. Sung in Italian with embedded Japanese subtitles Optional subtitles include English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Italian.
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