Search - Giuseppe Verdi, John Pritchard, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra :: Verdi: La Traviata (Highlights) / Sutherland, Bergonzi

La Stupenda

joseph puglisi | 05/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"La stupenda had some very slight pitch problems in this beautifully sung Traviata. I am a huge fan of Dame Joan, buy Violetta was not one of her best roles. But she certainly offered opulent tone and dazzling colortura. Dame Joan is the only reason to get this cd."

More than Just Joan

joseph puglisi | Bloomington, IN | 11/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike some people in the audience, I have no trouble finding much more to talk about than just Joanie. She's great, yes; however, there is certainly more to listen to on this recording. Let's begin with Carlo Bergonzi. He's in respendent voice, and uses everthing he's got to tear it up. Oh, and what about Robert Merrill. Can anyone do it better? I grant you this, it is a stupendous recording, but it's not all Joanie's doing!"

Mighty fine

J. Anderson | Monterey, CA USA | 11/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A supreme Traviata, no question about it. Sutherland's singing remakes the role of Violetta, rescues it from excess, makes it upright. Her singing is about the exposition of a beautiful voice and the art made from it - in this case, a high flying execution of the wiles of rare singing genius. Marvelous to know. In contrast to the artifice of drama, she makes the SINGING art once again seriously essential. Other roles suit aspects of her singing better than Violetta, but make no mistake she owns everything in this recording. Carlo Bergonzi's Alfredo is a template of why his is a voice impossible to hear too often, its unforgettable strong rosy hue imbues every line. His musicianship gives everything vital to a kind of singing I swear no present day chap comes near. A free, classical seriousness gives wondrous lights to Bergonzi's consistently intelligent singing. The chorus is notably fine, sharp and clean, and beautifully recorded, and Pritchard's on his game throughout - on fire in Act I, I'd say. The audio quality here is something special, unlike a recent number of over miked efforts that spoil integrity and enjoyment. The sensitive and natural recorded sound here really enhances the drama of the musical experience. Bergonzi's 'Un de felice' is pure sunlight on a bottle of eternal Italian wine. Even through the fin de siecle opulence of three legendary voices at their natural highs, I'm amazed at the profound musical attractions here. If you love Traviata, do yourself a favor and get the complete recording. Highlights discs are cool but believe me you want to ride the whole river through the rapids. Recommending the best."