When I first listened to the Callas studio Traviata recording, many, many years ago, I was totally blown away - amazed at the fearless approach to this role. And I thought where could she go, but of course knowing the talent and artistry all one had to do was listen to her interpretations and understanding as she progressed. Without a "2nd" studio recording, we had to rely on live performances. For a long time, the Lisbon Traviata was a go to performance but I must say that this live recording is a must have or at least a must listen to, for any and every opera lover. At 71, I am still amazed that a performance like this still makes me cry - it the best of ways, of course!

This famous broadcast has been around in one form or another for years. Callas was in very good voice that night, her top steady (a strong E-flat crowns "Sempre libera"), her characterization heartbreaking. She is magnificent in one of her greatest parts. Valletti is a superb Alfredo, yes, vocally, but also dramatically. He is thoroughly involved in the proceedings; one can hear in his responses to his colleagues that he is thinking about what he is singing. Zanasi is a first-class Germont who delivers a touching rendition of his big aria. The supporting cast is made up of people like Marie Collier, Dermot Troy, and Forbes Robinson; they must have known this was a special revival. Rescigno conducts with authority and love.The sound is terrific. Only one glitch: the sidebreak between the two discs should've been after Act Two, scene 1. Instead it is right before "Di provenza" and we lose a bar of transitional music.Not a big deal though. If you love Traviata or Callas, this is essential.

...who seems to have escaped the cast list! He is the very formidable Forbes Robinson, later a famous Claggart, King Priam and (with Welsh National Opera) King Philip and Fiesco.

Before buying this Opera Depot version, I have had at least four other versions (and probably one or two I've forgotten), got shot of most (no names) and kept IDIS and Myto (though I think Myto actually has the edge). Now, I may as well toss these other two because this OP edition is stunning. Admittedly, a lot depends on one's play-back system, but I have seldom heard Callas sound so natural. Often recordings emphasize the edge in her voice and lose the rich undertones. Not here. I am SO glad to have this, and I bought several copies to give to friends. I leave it to you to decide but, if I were you, I'd buy it now!

Where do I begin? I aquired this live performance and have been addicted to it ever since. It is truly captivating to hear Callas in fantastic voice in one of her greatest roles. From the beginning to her last dying note, she draws you in with her mesmerizing commitment to every note. There are numerous times when you have to rewind to hear a certain phrase or note that goes takes this almost “inhuman” quality to convey the text. One of the greatest!

Can only agree with the previous review. Whatever other Traviatas you have (even other Callas ones) this Covent Garden rendition is unparalelled. I was at one of those CG performances and this recording catches her exactly as I remember – which is much more appealing than on several of her commercial recordings. I must also mention the wonderful conducting of the underrated Rescigno who has a superb understanding and control of rubato – which you never hear nowadays.