Search - Paolo Rakowsky, Paolo Silveri, Giuseppe Verdi :: Verdi: La Traviata

Old (1946), but the best I have ever heard

R S MILLER | New York NY | 09/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The soprano Adriana Guerrini belts out her lines in perfect form. The tenor Luigi Infantino has a voice just right for the part of Alfredo. Every member of this cast sings with appreciation of his or her role. I have heard not one modern presentation of this opera that has not lacked one or more of the ingredients that make this a definitive recording of La Traviata. There is no screeching (ala you may know who I mean), no bombosity, no straining for high notes, and so forth, that characterize every presentation I have ever heard in the last 20 years. It is quite amazing that a 1946 recording can still be unexcelled. Maybe it is the Romans -- who knows!"

Dramatic Soprano - Tough Cookie!

Impostazione | New York City Area | 10/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first La Traviata that I have listened to without that tiredness that the opera projects. The interest seems to be maintained by the soprano, whose extremely forward placed dramatic voice hints at a kind of creeping vulnerability though it is immensely powerful and wide ranged. She also has the authentic Verdian accent, so rare among Violettas.



There is a tough edge to every woman who makes her living at the service of males. The light voiced sopranos can't project that strength of character that Violetta needs and that every independent woman needs.........like Bess, Violetta is woman of means because of her substancial qualities, which are ultimetely more sexy and beguiling than pretty and coquettish.



This record proves that it is a great mistake to portray a kept woman as dainty and soft. Violetta is thoughtful, dark and passionate but also sweet like the sign of Scorpio. This is all in her sonority; in Verdi's music.



The recording works because Guerrini leads a well chosen cast with beautifully paced conducting."