Verdi: La Traviata
- Recorded at Aix-en-Provence in 2011
Natalie Dessay made her first European appearances as Violetta in La Traviata in a new production at the 2011 Aix-en-Provence Festival. This DVD captures her amazing performance, together with American tenor Charles Castronovo as Alfredo, and French baritone Ludovic Tézier as his father, Giorgio Germont.
Natalie Dessay made her American debut in the role in 2009 at the Santa Fe Opera Festival, and subsequently she sang Violetta in Japan. Dessay’s 2011-12 season will include La Traviata at the Vienna State Opera and the New York Metropolitan Opera.
The performers on this DVD include:
Natalie Dessay (Violetta), Charles Castronovo (Alfredo), Ludovic Tézier (Germont), Adelina Scarabelli (Annina), Silvia de la Muela (Flora Bervoix), Manuel Nunez Camelino (Gastone de Letorière), Kostas Smoriginas (Barone Douphol), Andrea Mastroni (Marchese d’Obigny), Maurizio Lo Piccolo (Dottor Grenvil)
And the London Symphony Orchestra, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Louis Langrée, conductor
The role of Violetta makes tremendous demands on a singer, both vocally and dramatically, and points out Dessay’s transition from lighter coloratura roles to the more full-blooded lyric repertoire.
The Financial Times wrote that “her theatrical impact is devastating”.
The Times, 16th March 2012, wrote:
“Her age and silvery voice may not in theory be suited to playing Violetta. But try believing that after ‘Ah, fors’è lui’ or ‘Addio, del passato’, emotional pinnacles scaled with tremendous, tender subtlety. There’s also plenty to relish in the bloom and finesse of the London Symphony Orchestra”
And now, here’s a highlight of this music:
Tags: Natalie Dessay, La Traviata, Recorded at Aix-en-Provence in 2011