Verdi - La Traviata
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Movie Reviews of Verdi - La Traviata
Movie Review: "Less Is Often More"
Summary: 4 Stars
First off, Fleming and Villazon are, happily, both in wonderful voice. Hers is one of the most beautifully sung Violettas I've ever heard, and he sings with undeniable vitality here, skillfully alternating forte outbursts with elegant piano shadings. The conducting on this DVD is mostly energetic, save for a few strikingly slow tempos, and the set and the costumes, unlike those in so many recent Eurotrash productions, are generally attractive and as such duly recede into the background, not arrogantly announcing they're the principal reasons for the production.
But there are drawbacks, nonetheless. They keep this, I'd argue, from being what has been hailed as the "definitive Traviata" on DVD. The problems lie with the acting of the principals, a concern of prominence on DVD, though how much is owing to them and how much to the possible vulgarity of Marta Domingo's or Brian Large's direction is an open question. First of all, Villazon is allowed to overact to an embarrasing degree. With his furled eyebrows, lurches of the body, and semaphoric hand gestures, he comes to resemble not so much an infatuated youth in an opera as a corny silent movie star hamming it up. To be fair, this is a filmed stage performance and perhaps from the balcony his excesses would not appear so over the top, but the DVD, with its closeness, unfortunately emphasizes them.
Fleming is for the most part more reticent in front of the camera, though her readiness to break into what looks like an apparent hootchy-kootchy sort of dance during the "Sempre Libera" reminds older viewers of the superiority of the unforgettably graceful, appropriately waltzing Patricia Brooks. The overdone smooching of the principals, too, given the time period of the setting, seems less appropriate than it does a concession to the low tastes of an audience wanting something "hot" for its overpriced tickets.
Movie Review: Traviata - music and direction
Summary: 4 Stars
You can always watch a production of La Traviata and if you get bored you can close your eyes and glide through the clouds with the music. How can you get any better than Fleming and Villazon? The voices are so good, and the two of them are comfortable with each other.
However, the performance lacks direction. There were many scenes where the performers seemed to be uncertain as to what to do or where to be. It did not seem natural. Fleming and Villazon are the ulitimate in opera today, but they do what their director tells them. In this case, the performance was lacking.
The scene with Villazon and his father likewise did not seem realistic. There were too many contrasting emotions; the son was unsure if he was furious, hurt, or shocked, and Dad was making demands but still wanted to be "Dad".
Opera has changed drastically over the past 20 years. No longer do performers stand on stage and sing to the audience, they include acting in their performance. And when an opera is filmed, there are close-ups and facial expressions with the emotions can make a great opera.
I do not like to compare operas and performances; however, Villazon was superb in the DVD (La Traviata) with Netrebko from Salzburg. The direction made the difference. I am not criticizing any of the performers. I was expecting a 'great' opera when I sat down to watch, and I was disappointed. I can always enjoy listening to this DVD again.
Movie Review: A good, solid "reference" Traviata
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a most enjoyable DVD - not perhaps the most exciting Traviata out there, but a good, solid, musically polished account filtered through a visually attractive, traditional production. There are no earth shaking ideas here, but the direction is sensible and straightforward and well executed. Fleming is on good behavior - her Violetta is not to all tastes, but she does a lovely job here. She does not take the high options she did employ when new to the role, but the coloratura of Act one is cleanly handled and she is in solid form throughout. Villazon is lovely to hear, and dramatically quite compelling. Bruson has seen better days, but is still caught in good late career form. Conlon's conducting is perhaps a trifle four square at times, but given the erratic treatment the opera has often sufferred of late, this does bring its rewards. The sound quality is not outstanding - those with fine digital systems may be a bit underwhelmed, but it is higher than average and perfectly acceptable. All in all, a fine, "reference" account performed by some of the more enjoyable forces of our day. If you are looking for a basic Traviata for your collection, this well be the choice for you.Movie Review: A very good Traviata but not the best
Summary: 4 Stars
Although this is a very good Traviata, I don't think it is as good as the Royal Opera DVD with Solti and Georghiu. (I think the Salzburg Traviata with Netrebko and Villazone is the best musically but the rediculous staging detracts from my enjoyment of it.)
As usual, Fleming and Villazone sing very well, although I think Georghiu was a better Violetta. Buscon developed a wobble in his louder passages which I found annoying. The staging of this Traviata was the best of the three.
I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who want a second version of Traviata
Movie Review: La Traviata - DVD - Renee Fleming, etc.
Summary: 4 Stars
La Traviata - DVD
This is a wonderful rendition of Verdi's great opera. Renee Fleming is at her best as is Rolando Villazon. The weak link is Renato Bruson, who was a great baritone some time ago. The production looks great. Buy the DVD either for yourself or for another opera lover.