Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Roberto Paternostro, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra :: Verdi - La Traviata / Lucia Aliberti, Dvorsky, Bruson, Tokyo PO, Paternostro

Under $4.00! So what's wrong with it?

06/29/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not much! This is a very worthy recording, as good as (and in some cases better) than recordings I've paid over $30 for!If you've never bought Opera before, or want to introduce a friend, try this (and check out Laserlight's copy of Madame Butterfly which is equally impressive).And if you don't like it, all you'll have spent is the cost of a couple of Big Macs!"

Lucia Alberti, La Traviata

robert e. smith | Windham, CT USA | 07/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those familiar with Aliberti only from her Bellini recordings, the large, full voice she brings to Violetta may come as a surprise. Her mastery of the role's fiendish demands is complete, and in this very well recorded, uncut, live performance she quite deservedly brings down the house at the end of the first act. Singing beautifully, she is deeply moving throughout. The bloom is a bit off the rose with Bruson's instrument but he sings the role very well supported by a solid technique. Dvorsky though is mostly quite bad, his very worn, forced voice pretty painful at times. His, often cut, aria in the second act elicits virtually no response from the (descerning) audience...it's a uncomfortable moment! Paternostro's conducting is hard driven, sometimes a bit too aggressive, perhaps because he was enjoying working with such a crack orchestra. At full price this recording is worth it (as long as Dvorsky's limitations are remembered). At this bargin price, it is an absurd deal -- easily the most Traviata for the money."