By 1973, Renata Scotto had been inhabiting the role of Violetta for over two decades, having first sung it at the age of 18. Though her voice had begun shifting toward more dramatic territory, she still brings insight and poignancy to one of Verdi's most emotionally intricate heroines. She handles "Sempre libera" with admirable agility—if not quite with the ease of earlier years—and unleashes true spinto power in her fiery Act II encounter with Germont. A young José Carreras also impresses, his voice already gleaming with the lyrical beauty that would make him a global star. If only that sheen had lasted a little longer...