Verdi: La Traviata - Ricciarelli, Carreras, Zancanaro; Bartoletti. Italy, 1976
$16.95
Description:
Katia Ricciarelli and José Carreras were still in their twenties when they sang this performance. Needless to say this performance has a wonderful spontaneity and freshness that only youth can bring. Carreras sings like an absolute god. It is sad that neither of their voices weathered the strains of an international career as one might have hoped. Giorgio Zancanaro is Germont. This performance preserves their brilliance.
OD 10132-2
Listen to a Sample:
Great Chemistry from the Leads!
It is well-known in contemporary opera lore that Ricciarelli and Carreras were an "item" in their youth and this Traviata is from that period. One can sense their passion in the way they listen and respond to each other. The "Parigi, o cara" duet is heartbreaking. Both are in excellent voice. This is, I think, Ricciarelli's only extant Violetta. It was not a role she did often. She manages the coloratura of the first act respectably albeit with "Follie" and "Sempre libera" transposed down a tone. She sings the second act with Germont very well and is unexpectedly moving in the last act. Maybe not a Violetta for the ages then, but a very good one. Carreras was still in stirling voice in 1976. He doesn't sing "O mio remorso" on this occasion. Zancanaro sings a gorgeous Germont. The supporting cast is very characterful. Bartoletti conducts well, making all the traditional cuts. He gets to Violetta's final " O gioia!" before his soprano does. The sound is very good, probably from a broadcast tape. The audience is enthusiastic, some members shushing others when they begin to applaud at inappropriate times (after the third act prelude) A healthy, Italianate Traviata in the best sense. Fans of the three leads should get this!
John Stanton
Carreras is in top form here. In 1976 his voice was still sappy with his customary open sound and good diction. He is an ardent and appealing Alfredo. My only complaint is one that could be aimed at almost all recorded Alfedos: there is just never much joy or love in " Dei mei bollenti spiriti". Sheer energy is not the same thing. His regular singing partner Katia Ricciarelli is a delicate and refined Violetta. Perhaps one could wish for more abandon in "Sempre Libera" or that the voice opened out more satisfyingly on big moments, but it is particularly beautiful and melting. Giorgio Zancanaro displays the beautiful biting baritone that made him the foremost Verdian baritone of the 80'and 90's. His duet with Riciarelli is a little masterclass in beautiful refined and intelligent singing. The sound is very good
