Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Bonynge, Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, Marjon Lambriks, Matteo Manuguerra, Alexander Oliver, Della Jones - Verdi - La Traviata / Sutherland A· Pavarotti A· Bonynge [highlights]

yucky mushy voice!

Sutherland in her prime was bearable, but Sutherland in vocal decline is absolutely hideous to hear! Her voice was way too mushy, diction terrible (as always anyway), and no vocal acting whatsoevever. I disagree with a previous reviewer-I don't hear any characterization in this portroyal. She sounds the same no matter what. The brindisi may as well be addio del passato. Pavarotti is not in fresh voice for this recording. Overall, a terrible recording. July 7, 2003

Great, but no even close to their primes

Dame Joan and Pavarotti are so fantastic here that you'll never guess that they are already much past their terrific primes when this was recorded. Dame Joan being about 55.
If you think her voice is good here, you'll be dumb-founded by her "The Art of the Prima Donna" cd, which is the greatest display of coloratura singing in the history of opera. I am not exaggerating.
Yes, this is a great Traviata, better than anything out there except for Sutherland's first one. But the gorgeous Sutherland tone can be far better if you can believe it. This 1980 recording shows Sutherland with only 70% of her original phenomenal voice. The same goes for Pavarotti.
Buy this set because they are together. But if you want to hear them in their prime. Buy their "Daughter of the Regiment". July 5, 2003

A good recording for the archives

A good recording for the archives and a lesson in how to keep the voice healthy and lond-lasting. Excellent performances all around. If you'd like to hear more in detail, read below:

I have nothing bad to say about Joan. Yes, the voice is... "older" but it's wise and trained. Every note has years of training, wisdom, and experience to it. "E strano! Estrano..." and "Teneste la promessa... Addio del passato" are those pieces that you just think to yourself, "Dame Joan owns this one." When she sings them, it's like these were written for the older voice and only that. She just takes such leadership and ownership. They have such passion -- especially the latter piece, when she laments over her imminent death, it sounds as if she's really going TOMORROW. The "Sempre Libera" is very interesting to listen to. I wouldn't put it on her "Greatest hits album," but to hear the technique that went in that preparation is amazing, I mean, for God sakes she's 55 years old and do you HEAR that! And kudos to the much improved acting!!

Pavarotti is really in the zone for this one. His "Parigi, o cara" is just beautiful -- such tenderness and REAL acting and emotions coming through.

Manuguerra is a real class act. I found him thoroughly convincing. Like he was actually a real concerned father.

Nice use of your money. I know MY CD player is on a first name basis with this recording. May 4, 2002

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