Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Bonynge, Joan Sutherland :: Verdi - La Traviata / Sutherland · Pavarotti · Bonynge [highlights]

A good recording for the archives

05/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A good recording for the archives and a lesson in how to keep the voice healthy and lond-lasting. Excellent performances all around. If you'd like to hear more in detail, read below:I have nothing bad to say about Joan. Yes, the voice is... "older" but it's wise and trained. Every note has years of training, wisdom, and experience to it. "E strano! Estrano..." and "Teneste la promessa... Addio del passato" are those pieces that you just think to yourself, "Dame Joan owns this one." When she sings them, it's like these were written for the older voice and only that. She just takes such leadership and ownership. They have such passion -- especially the latter piece, when she laments over her imminent death, it sounds as if she's really going TOMORROW. The "Sempre Libera" is very interesting to listen to. I wouldn't put it on her "Greatest hits album," but to hear the technique that went in that preparation is amazing, I mean, for God sakes she's 55 years old and do you HEAR that! And kudos to the much improved acting!!Pavarotti is really in the zone for this one. His "Parigi, o cara" is just beautiful -- such tenderness and REAL acting and emotions coming through.Manuguerra is a real class act. I found him thoroughly convincing. Like he was actually a real concerned father.Nice use of your money. I know MY CD player is on a first name basis with this recording."

Great, but no even close to their primes

07/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dame Joan and Pavarotti are so fantastic here that you'll never guess that they are already much past their terrific primes when this was recorded. Dame Joan being about 55.
If you think her voice is good here, you'll be dumb-founded by her "The Art of the Prima Donna" cd, which is the greatest display of coloratura singing in the history of opera. I am not exaggerating.
Yes, this is a great Traviata, better than anything out there except for Sutherland's first one. But the gorgeous Sutherland tone can be far better if you can believe it. This 1980 recording shows Sutherland with only 70% of her original phenomenal voice. The same goes for Pavarotti.
Buy this set because they are together. But if you want to hear them in their prime. Buy their "Daughter of the Regiment"."