I adore La Traviata, always have done, always will do. This 2002 production is mostly very good, but I prefer the Zeffirelli film, the 1960s production with Anna Moffo and the 2006 production. I can't fault it visually, the sets and costumes are sumptuous as they should be, as is the videography. I can't fault the heartfelt story, the compelling characters or amazing music either, or the genteel playing of the orchestra or the accomplished conducting of Placido Domingo(yes THE Placido Domingo the tenor). Of the cast the most consistent is Renato Bruson, he acts Germont perfectly and his Ditta Alla Giuvine and Di Provenza are among the best renditions of the production. Scott Piper is a little strained at first, but he gets much better and it is a very, very nice voice and he is very dashing, against all that he didn't wow me as an actor. Stefania Bonfadelli is a decent enough Violetta if not great. She is a credible enough actress, looks lovely, can evidently sing and her Ditta Alla Giuvine with Bruson and Addio Del Passato are excellent. She disappoints however in Sempre Libera, the ornamentation and colouratura were for me a little laboured. All in all though, I did like it. 8/10 Bethany Cox
