Verdi - La Traviata - Callas, di Stefano - Giulini 19552CDs - ADD Mono - Digital Remastered - 70'12, 53'26
EMI Classics 1998
Performer: Maria Callas, Ettore Bastianini, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Arturo La Porta, Silvana Zanolli, Luisa Mandelli, Giuseppe Zampieri, Antonio Zerbini, Silvio Maionica, Franco Ricciardi
Conductor: Carlo Maria Giulini
Orchestra/Ensemble: Milan Teatro alla Scala Orchestra, Milan Teatro alla Scala Chorus
Live Teatro Alla Scala, Milan, 1955
This live recording of the 1955 Visconti production at La Scala is the best of the available Maria Callas Traviatas. Aside from a minor pitch problem or two, she's in great voice, coloring phrases to reveal character and investing the coloratura with variety and passion. Her "Addio del passato" is heart-breaking. She fully captures Violetta's pride and vulnerability in the scene with Germont, though her partner, Ettore Bastianini, sings insensitively, if beautifully. Giuseppe Di Stefano is all one could ask for as Alfredo. Carlo Giulini conducts a performance that delivers all the lyricism and drama of the score. The recorded sound is primitive, but in EMI's latest transfer you can listen through it to a wondrous performance. --Dan Davis
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