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(More customer reviews)This 2-DVD 2005 production of La Traviata at Madrid's Teatro Real was designed and directed by Pier Luigi Pizzi. It caused a scandal before it was premiered because diva Angela Gheorghiu, originally scheduled to sing Violetta, walked out of the production after one rehearsal saying that Pizzi's production was 'vulgar.' I have to admit that having seen the production there is little that fits that description except that there are two brief episodes of female nudity. In the first scene, in the distant background, a topless woman is seen from the back as she looks into a mirror and adjusts her makeup. And in the Gypsy scene in Act II there are some dancers who are topless, but discreetly so. Be that as it may, Norah Amsellem, an American-trained French soprano who was scheduled to sing the role after the first few done by Gheorghiu, made a fine Violetta and that's who we see in this DVD.
The production is set in Paris in Nazi-occupied Paris. That dictates the art deco sets and the costumes and hairstyles, but is not made much of otherwise; e.g., there are some Nazi officers in the opening party scene. (As a physician I kept thinking that if it were set only five years later Violetta's tuberculosis could have been cured by the newly available streptomycin. But then we wouldn't have an opera, would we?) The sets and costumes are simply stunning, I must say. There are very clean lines in the sets, and the costumes, while luxurious, are very tasteful. The party scene in Act I is done primarily in cream and black and is extremely effective. The love nest in Act II is done in stark white with primary blue accents. Costumes are true to the period but of the most elegant cut. Ms Amsellem is a beautiful woman who nonetheless in Act III manages to look terminally ill. Not since the 'Traviata' film with Teresa Stratas have I seen such a convincing transformation.
Musically the opera is in good hands. Jesús López Cobos is a sensitive Verdi conductor and clearly breathes with his singers. The Madrid Symphony Orchestra is fine and both preludes are beautifully done. Amsellem has some strain in the first act coloratura. There is some steel in the voice and yet she is able to fine down to a ravishing pianissimo in 'Dite alla giovine' and 'Addio del passato.' She and the Alfredo, José Bros, are extremely effective in 'Parigi, o cara' in Act III; strangely there was no applause after that duet and I have to imagine that it was because the audience was so moved that they greeted it with reverent silence. Bros, a tenor I'd not heard of before, is an elegant singer if a bit unsubtle as an actor. The only criticism I'd make is that he didn't make the most of 'De' miei bollenti spiriti.' In the duets, though, he is superb and an equal partner of Amsellem.
The venerable Renato Bruson makes a believable Giorgio Germont. He has always been a fine actor but his once shining baritone is a bit worn now. That may be more or less appropriate for an older character like Alfredo's father, but one hungers for a fuller, rounder sound in such lovely things as 'Pura siccome un angelo' and 'Di Provenza il mar, il suol.' The lesser characters were all well-taken.
I have not seen the new DVD with Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon. One can imagine that musically it must be exceptional, but I've heard that the set and direction are a bit outré.
I will recommend this DVD with the caveat that Amsellem is a bit lacking in the first act (but comes on like gangbusters in Acts II and III) and that Bruson is a bit disappointing vocally. Otherwise, I loved this production. Visually it is a treat and is filmed exceptionally clearly. Sound is also fine in either Stereo or DTS 5.1. There is a brief interview with López Cobos and another with Amsellem, Bros and Bruson. They don't add a lot but are pleasant enough.
Scott Morrison
Click Here to see more reviews about: Verdi - La Traviata / Norah Amsellem, Jose Bros, Renato Bruson, Maria Espada, Jesus Lopez Cobos, Madrid Opera (2005)
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