A solid recording
Diego Quiñones | 10/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Overall, this recording of La Traviata is surely one the most consistent quality-wise. Pavarotti's legendary ability to sing Alfredo is perfectly shown here with the powerful resonance of his singing in "Libiamo ne'lieti calici", his dramatism in "Un di felice, eterea" and his soft purity in "Parigi, o cara mia". Alongside Pavarotti, Juan Pons (perhaps amongst the best baritones) displays the full strength of his voice in the famous "Di provenza il mar, il suol" and in the duets with Studer. Levine's conducting, characterized by its vivaciousness also has its display with the Preludio and evidently in the Brindisi. As for Studer's Violetta, whilst she sings at a very good quality, the inevitable comparison with opera greats such as Callas, Netrebko or Gheorghiu doesn't leave her in such a wonderful standing.
The only downside of the record is that for some reason two of the most memorable arias of this opera were not included: neither "Pura si comme un angelo", nor "Un di quando le veneri" is displayed."