Guiseppe Verdi;
La Traviata
(Bongiovanni GB 2530/31-2)
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Violetta Valery
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Mariella Devia
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Alfredo Germont
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Roberto Aronica
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Giorgio Germont
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Giorgio Zancanaro
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Flora Bervoix
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Silvia Mazzoni
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Barone Douphol
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Alberto Noli
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Gastone
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Angelo Casertano
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Marchese D'Obigny
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Guiseppe Riva
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Dottor Grenvil
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Antonio Marani
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Guiseppe
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Nicola Troisi
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Annina
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Raffaella Angeletti
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Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova conducted by Daniele
Callegari
Live performance of June 12, 15, 17, 22, 1997
Mariella Devia's interpretation is distinctively her own and one that comes
from the heart. She draws upon her powers of expressive singing for an
"Ah, fors'e lui"
which is beautifully introspective and a heartrending
"Dite alle giovane."
She omits the trills in the "Sempre libera" but her execution is
brilliant. Devia even sings the often omitted few bars towards the end and
caps the caballetta with a steady, powerful E-flat. In the 2nd Act Devia
provides some really inspired singing no doubt inspired by her worthy
protagonist Giorgio Zancanaro who gives us a stern and imposing
characterization with a virile, commanding voice. Roberto Aronica has a fresh
young voice that is steady and powerful; he makes a convincing Alfredo. I like
his velvety mezza voce and honeyed pianos but not the way he aspirates the
grace notes. He sings both verses of
"Oh mio rimorso,"
omitting the admittedly optional high C. The orchestra is above average and
the chorus is adequate. The supporting cast is good. Daniele Callegari's
conducting has verve and bite. I like the lilt and rhythmic bounce in the
First Act, particularly in the
Brindisi
. At times it's just a bit too fast and I find the 2nd Act finale is too
rushed to the make the requisite dramatic impact. But he is good in the
preludes, especially that of Act III which is tinged with a delicate
melancholy. The sound is fine and the balance favors the singers with the
voices out front. The opera is performed complete with repeats of the arias
and cabalettas. An Italian/English libretto is provided.
La Traviata
(Bongiovanni GB 2530/31-2) can be ordered direct at
http://bongiovanni70.com/
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