Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD]

Giuseppe Verdi (Composer), Carlo Rizzi (Conductor), Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Anna Netrebko (Performer), Diane Pilcher (Performer), Helene Schneiderman (Performer), Herman Wallén (Performer), Luigi Roni (Performer), Paul Gay (Performer), Rolando Villazón (Performer), Salvatore Cordella (Performer), Thomas Hampson (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Anna Netrebko, Diane Pilcher, Helene Schneiderman, Herman Wallén, Luigi Roni, et al.
• Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Carlo Rizzi
• Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
• Audio CD (February 14, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000E0OF9S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,113 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)

2. E strano! - "Ah, fors'è lui"

3. Follie! Delirio vano è questo!

4. Sempre libera

5. Lunge da lei - "De' miei bollenti spiriti"

6. O mio rimorso!

7. Pura siccome un angelo

8. Non sapete quale affetto

9. Un dì, quando le veneri

10. Ah! Dite alla giovine

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)

2. Crudele!-Ah no, mio bene! - "Non mi dir, bell'idol" (Donna Anna)

3. Photo Gallery Anna Netrebko / Bonus-DVD Violetta USA

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious, February 26, 2006

By 

Walter Fekula (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD] (Audio CD)

This is what I wrote when I reviewed the full length opera. The same holds true for this abridgement of the opera's arias and duets. "I have no idea what the detractors of this amazing recording were listening to. Can it be that some people just cannot sit back, close their eyes and listen to some glorious singing by two of today's most gifted operatic voices on our planet? Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon. There is a reason why after the opening, the Salzburg performances were quickly sold out with scalper's tickets bringing astronomical prices. Forget the "hype" which after all originates from the critics and not the promoters. Ms. Netrebko has enraptured me since I first heard her in 1998. At that time, Peter G. Davis, the music critic of New York Magazine wrote of the Kirov appearance: "The lighter sopranos showed more promise, in particular Anna Netrebko, whose agile, unblemished voice soared easily through Lyudmila's roulades and captivated all ears in "Betrothal in a Monastery". She also looks enchanting and creates real characters -- in Lyudmila's case out of practically nothing." He got it right. She is now 34 year of age and during the past 8 years, her voice has become stronger and darker but still able to effortlessly hit those high "C"s and above. I hope I have the pleasure in another 5 years to hear her voice when it turns its golden best. Senor Villazon is a perfect foil to Ms. Netrebko. Somewhat impetuous, his personality is magnetic and sparks fly when they sing together. Thomas Hampson may be blander but his voice has a lovely timbre and fits in nicely. It is remarkable that Deutche Grammophon patched together such a seamless recording from the best of all seven Salzburg performances. Let us not forget the Vienna Philharmonic. This all adds up to the best "La Traviata" ever recorded."

This disc is a generous 1 hour and 20 minutes in length. Perfect for the commuter.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting new Traviata, March 18, 2006

By 

Ava Torres - See all my reviews

This review is from: Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD] (Audio CD)

In spite of many flaws, which are to be expected in a live recording, this is very exicitng new Traviata! I don't care about comparing this one to old recordings, if you want to hear Verdi sung by today's young, gifted and very engaging singers, this is the album to get. Callas, Moffo and Cotrubas were great, but what's the point of these endless comparisons. This Traviata can stand on its own. The tempi are on the slow side, but there's a feeling of great intensity, especially on this highlight disc, I like the way they put it together. I liked the complete opera recording too, but if you want to hear selection of great arias, this album works very well. Libiamo, Fors'e Lui and all the lyrical pasages are just great. Villazon is marvelous, so passionate. Anna Netrebko has such a beautiful voice and she puts so much drama into her singing, you don't have to see her to understand all the different emotions that Violetta is going through. Of course, these two singers look the part, that's just great, it's time we have such a good looking and talented pair to grace the opera stages. Hampson does not sound his best, but I liked him in Germont's role.

The DVD that comes with this album shows the Libiamo video, and I just can't wait for the DVD of this production! The other video for Donna Anna's aria is taken from Anna's previous DVD collection, but it's somewhat similar in style. This is a very nice bonus, and overall this is a great recording. I am very excited about this new generation of opera singers like Netrebko and Villazon. They may not sing technically perfect, but at least they make you feel something.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great quality, especially for opera buffs on a budget, March 12, 2006

By 

Doreen "reads too much, according to her mom." (Washington, DC, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Violetta: Arias and Duets from Verdi's La Traviata [Includes DVD] (Audio CD)

Product-wise, this is an excellent purchase for opera fans on a budget. Apart from the CD which, frankly, has all the important bits of the opera, it boasts a DVD that really carves into your mind how good a performer Netrebko is, and how electric her partnership with Villazon (skip the Don Giovanni music video, though: 'tis pretentious and gruesome.) The DVD also reminds the buyer that opera isn't just about standing around and singing: it is a performance art, after all, and Netrebko is a compelling, radiant Violetta.

I won't comment on the singing itself except to note that I was not a fan of Villazon's "Oh mio rimorso" (not a fan of Pavarotti's versions either: too self-indulgent.) I liked the emotional quality of it, but thought he had a tendency to smush words together. Dude, you're angry, not drunk.

Overall, an excellent choice if you haven't the cash to invest extensively.