Giuseppe
VERDI
(1813 - 1901)
La Traviata
Violette Victoria de los Angeles
Alfredo Germont Carlo del Monte
Giorgio Germont Mario Sereni
Rome Opera Chorus and Orchestra
Tullio Serafin
Recorded June & Oct 1959
Opera House, Rome. ADD
EMI double fforte CZS 5 73824 2 2CD's [ 119.02
]
Crotchet
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This recording has been floating around the catalogue in various formats
more or less continuously since it was first released forty years ago. Even
now, with all the new Traviatas made since the late fifties, it remains
a version that cannot be overlooked and at its bargain price is almost certain
to please. There are two stars in the package - Tullio Serafin himself, by
then 81 years of age and still conducting with authority, control and immense
support for his singers, and, of, course, Victoria de los Angeles - one the
great Violettas.
The tempi chosen throughout are measured (some would say slow, I felt near
ideal) but they seem right in context, while purists might object to cuts
that were customary at the time but would perhaps be frowned on today. Serafin
appears to be a singer's conductor with his sensitive guidance and he also
brings out parts of the orchestral score that other's hide (the cellos in
the introduction, for instance).
At the time of the recording Victoria de los Angeles was 37 and her voice
no longer had the freshness and bloom that only youth can provide. What she
did have was a superb instrument that was capable still of portraying emotions
and passion in a beautiful way that few have matched or bettered. She also
had the skill, talent, gift - call it what you will - to become the part
she was playing. Utterly convincing throughout as the consumptive heroine
she involves the listener as few others can. Her moments in the great love
duets are quite superb and the death-bed scene - one of operas great moments
- is heart-rending.
The other principal role has Carlo del Monte as Alfredo. He has a decent
tenor voice and shows considerable ability in his characterisation and sings
the Brindisi with some style. As his father, baritone Sergio Tedesco
is steady and reliable.
Like others in the series, the full libretto is not included but there are
ample cue points listed. The recording was a good one in its day so is still
perfectly acceptable. If you want a Traviata that won't break the
bank and you will continue to enjoy after repeated playings - this is the
one to buy.
Reviewer
Harry Downey
