La Traviata

I remember the huge enthusiasm back in 1994, everybody was talking about this new Traviata at Covent Garden and Angela Gheorghiu was the new star of the opera world. And indeed she still is, what a voice, what a natural charisma, what strong emotions she brings to this role! I admire her for the courage of reprising this role in this particular production many years later, 2010 I think. She was still the best Violetta around, and this after such a long period... Stunning, born to sing, and with the voice of an angel, she is the perfect reincarnation of this character and I think people will listen to her and watch her for hundreds of years because of her unique voice, talent and sincerity on stage. Gheorghiu is the real last diva, something that does not really exists anymore today. I adore this Richard Eyre production, one cannot ask more from Traviata. Leo Nucci is outstanding as Germont, I find the Act 2 duet incredibly touching, its all about real sincerity when performing, I believe them in every second. I adore Frank Lopardo's voice and technique, he is perfectly fit for the role, of course everybody was raving about Gheorghiu but at the same time he deserves a big Bravo! This is the best Traviata to view and to listen at, you'll end up with tears in your eyes (even throughout the performance) and you will want to see and listen to it for many times more!