Big fan of the opera AND, especially, the tenor, Aragall. That said….. I was disappointed in this highly acclaimed recording. If I had heard it on Spotify or YouTube beforehand I would never have shelled out the $$$. The opera, the tenor and soprano didn’t come alive till the last act. It wasn’t bad….it was just meh. There are so many other amazing recordings of this opera….don’t waste time on this one.

クライバーの指揮に皆が追いていっているのが素晴らしいです。クライバーは独特な演奏の仕方で好みが分かれるのでしょうが嫌いではないです。はじめははらはらしながら聞いていましたが、最後まで無事に終えた達成感があります。私はアラがルのフアンですが、今世紀最高の美声をもったテノール歌手だと思います。

La Traviata was one of Carlos Kleiber "specialties" in. His DG studio recording with Cotrubas is one of the best. In a live performance he is even more effective because he is less self-indulgent than he could be in the studio. Both preludes are masterfully played and interpreted, the third act prelude especially poignant with a its distinct foreboding of Life's fragility. He makes the usual cuts, but includes one verse of "O mio rimorso" (transposed down a half-step in an awkward transposition).Cotrubas was one of Kleiber's favorite singers and she is a fantastic Violetta. She caps a manic "Sempre libera" with a joyful top E-flat and always makes specific choices for her character. The central Violetta/Germont duet is splendidly sung by both Cotrubas and Brendel. Her last act will break your heart. Aragall is a passionate, beautifully sung Alfredo, the timbre still glowing with youth and resilience. Brendel sings a melting "Di Provenza". The supporting cast is also excellent as are the orchestra and chorus.The sound is clear with the voices well forward. There is some minor congestion during louder moments here and there, but it never gets in the way of enjoyment. The discs are responsibly divided.All opera fans should hear a Kleiber/Cotrubas Traviata!

GREAT AS EVER !!!

Kleiber conductes high emotionally, as Aragall and Cotrubas are singing.