This disc, part audiobook, part highlights CD, takes
its place in Naxos's continuing ‘Opera Explained’ series. Again it is
written by Thomson Smillie and narrated by David Timson, the latter
being most familiar to this writer for his similar role on the same
company's (excellent) complete recording of the English version of Stravinsky's
A Soldier's Tale.
As with the Puccini issue, reviewed earlier, this is
an informative and entertaining undertaking but, as I also remarked
about that disc, its enduring value is more likely to be as a library
item. It is of a great deal more use to the student of music than to
the established opera buff. The latter is not only likely be more than
familiar with the opera and its main foci, but will also no doubt have
various recorded versions to compare and contrast. The examples on this
disc, presented act by act, are again taken from the full Naxos recording,
under Alexander Rahbari. When released, that set drew praise mainly
for the quality of the performance of one soloist in particular, the
soprano Monica Krause in the central Violetta role. This is something
clearly evident from the excerpts, as is the general view that other
elements can seem underpowered. As no-one is likely, knowingly, to buy
this purely as a highlights CD, both the positive and negative points
raised here are not really that important anyway. As with the Puccini
disc (and I presume others in this series), narration and excerpts are
not cued separately. To be fair to its producers, the flow of the programme
would probably not be so seamless if this were the case. This ‘Opera
Explained’ project forms part of Naxos's educational initiative and
aims, and in my view succeeds, in enlightening the listener. As a general
listening experience it is more a one-off or occasional item but, given
the low price, and high overall quality of the package (the booklet
synopsis is particularly good), it deserves to sell more than a handful
of copies. Libraries and educational establishments certainly ought
to consider its purchase.
Neil Horner
David Timson, narrator.