La traviata

It was my birthday recently and I bought for myself a DVD of the Salzburg Festival’s La traviata featuring soprano Anna Netrebko as the wild courtesan, Violetta Valery, and Rollando Villazón as her gentleman suitor, tenor Alfredo Germont.

I think it’s interesting to note that in the first performance of this opera in Venice, 1853, the performers wore modern clothing. Opera-goers at the time were used to grand opera and neither the critics, nor the public, appreciated this unique presentation. This sentiment is being echoed by many today.

Personally, I found that the striped-down presentation actually enhanced the performance. The clock that many consider gaudy and distracting served its purpose well and was a constant reminder that time was running out for Violetta.

The one thing that everyone seems to agree on is the amazing performance by Anna Netrebko! Her voice is simply beautiful and her diction clear, with a rich coloratura that will only get better as she matures. She portrayed a bright, vibrant Violetta in perfect contrast with the sickness that consumed her during the course of the opera. I absolutely loved her rendition of the aria, Ah! Fors’ é Lui–one could feel the emotion as she wondered if this “country boy” could truly represent true love in her life.

And what of the leading man? Although he hasn’t garnered the attention of Netrebko, Rolando Villazón’s performance is just as amazing. His acting is superb, his emotional expression is impressive and believable. His voice is well-balanced and sensuous.

Brava! Bravo!

Photo: Anna Netrebko as Violetta Valery