This was the first of two broadcasts Sutherland did of La Traviata from Buenos Aires in 1969. She was in excellent voice. Her "Sempre libera" is thrilling though it doesn't include the staccato high Cs borrowed perhaps from Tetrazzini, an embellishment she used in the second broadcast performance (also available from Opera Depot). Cioni was handsome to look at, but his singing both here and in the second broadcast is not very pleasing, his voice unsteady at times. Cappuccilli sings strongly if not very imaginatively. Nevertheless the audience applauds him warmly for his "Di Provenza" in Act Two. The supporting cast is excellent with an especially good Marquis and Baron, but their names are not included in the cast list. Bonynge gives us the full "Gran Dio! Morir si giovine", but otherwise makes all the traditional cuts.The sound is excellent, but there are a few missing portions: Alfredo's denunciation of Violetta (!) and a small section just before the aforementioned "Gran Dio!". Andy replaces the missing last few moments with Callas' Lisbon Traviata performance. The two singers are completely different from each other, but some continuity is provided. If one really wants to hear all of Sutherland's adventures as Violetta in Buenos Aires one must get both broadcasts as each has music the other doesn't.

Vocally exquisite Sutherland, but her Violetta does not come through convincingly (you had to hear her in person for that).

Dame Joan Sutherland + La Traviata + prime = amazing!Need I say more? This performance is a must have for any serious operatic fan interested in exploring this opera and this style of singing. It is truly a treasure.