Search - Alberto Noli, Giorgio Zancanaro, Giuseppe Verdi :: Verdi: La Traviata

A glorious soprano

Gerardo Cabrera Munoz | México | 12/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The recording output of Mariella Devia is a scandal. Here is one of the finest sopranos of our time, and she has been criminally ignored by all the major record companies, so we must thank Bongiovanni for taking their microphones to record this important event. Mariella Devia sings ravishingly, and with great feeling for the words. She finds the ideal "tinta" for Violetta, joyous in the first act, dramatic in the second, and very moving in the last. Giorgio Zancanaro, the finest Veri baritone since Bruson has also been neglected lately. His Germont pere is a model of true Verdi style, exquisite italian singing like in the old days. The conductor is competent and the tenor quite acceptable, without matching Devia or Zancanaro. If you want the finest 1990's La Traviata then, this is it. Gheorghiu, Studer and Fabbrizini are nowhere in this class."

The last "great" Traviata of the Century

Gerardo Cabrera Munoz | 03/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great artists are rare these days. We are fortunate to have Mariella Devia with us, really a fantastic soprano. Her most precious gift is individuality, once you hear her, you will never forget her. Her performance of Violetta is very special indeed, and puts in the shade all others since Renata Scotto's for EMI. She is fortunate to have Giorgio Zancanaro as her Germont, both are memorable in their great Second Act duet. Traviata is a very demanding opera, it has to be taken seriously, fortunately all the artists involved here do just that."

You've got to listen to this one!

Abel | Hong Kong | 10/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard and seen a number of 'La Traviata' productions.

I got this set from Amazon some time ago, at THAT price for the sake of Ms. Devia alone.

I heard the first few tracks and was put off by the sonics, wondering why that extortionate price? Recently an Italian opera house (Parma) came to my home city and showed us how Italians do Verdi (Rigoletto). Afterwards I came back again to this disc for the PERFORMANCE of La Traviata itself. This time I could really listen to it as the great performance that it was!

The three protagonists are all very good. Ms. Devia and Mr. Zancanaro are exceptionally good, and Mr. Aronica very competent in the role of Alfredo, all sounding very Italianate and authentic, singing with good pyrotechnique as well as ardent comittment.

I fully share the view of the reviewer who bewailed the plight of Mariella Devia, perhaps the last great Italian coloratura soprano.

I could not understand why people can pamper Ms. Bartoli (which is fine) but ignore Ms. Devia in the way they did.

I've heard Patricia Ciofi in the role. She is nowhere comparable to Mariella Devia, yet she is a great hit internationally these days in a way that Ms. Devia never was. Perhaps the Italians are like the Japanese - reserving the BEST to themselves. Who knows?"