Australian Opera | La Traviata
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17/04/2018 until 11/05/2018
by Irena Begelfor
Verdi's beautiful music, complex characters and a story plucked from real life events are the foundations that make La Traviata so thrilling even today, and Opera Australia has brought this classic opera to life with a strong cast and superb production.
Under the masterful baton of Carlo Montanaro, the orchestra emotively weave a delicate musical tapestry. Before the curtain is raised, the overture introduces us to the entire story - Violetta's predetermined death, the foggy backdrop of frivolity and party friends, her unquenchable love for Alfredo, her ultimate sacrifice of Alfredo because of her social standing, and her death.
This production of La Traviata by Elijah Moshinksy is impressive. Michael Yeargan's opulent set design, complete with velvet curtains, lavish divans, grand chandelier and candles, creates an atmosphere that is both decadent and intimate. The costumes bring to mind a Monet painting. Peter J Hall has paid meticulous detail to every element of each costume and the result is stunning. The party scenes create a spectacular festival atmosphere.
The delightful American soprano Corinne Winters is Violetta. As well as displaying complete mastery of vocalisation and acting, she is also a good fit visually. Her beauty, charisma, and flawless arias make her the perfect Violetta. The death scene in Act III left me choked with emotion as we were exposed to Violetta's final hopelessness, but also Alfredo's return that restored her belief in love.
Ho-Yoon Chung, a Korean lyric tenor, is a wonderful Alfredo who is convincing in his admiration and overflowing passion for Violetta. We see his torment as he faces the irreconcilable conflict between his father's wishes and his love for Violetta. Especially beautiful is the lovers' final duet, as Alfredo holds Violetta in their final song.
Argentinean baritone, José Carbo skilfully plays a stoic, old-fashioned Giorgio Germont Particularly striking is his rendition of 'Di Provenza il mar' and his duet with Violetta in Act II.
I have seen this opera many times and was sure that this time it would not affect me emotionally. And yet, Moshinsky's La Traviata is so effervescent and engaging that my feelings took over. It was a truly magical performance!