Product: La Traviata (2001)
Rating: 5.0
Unique interpretations of characters, believable and very enjoyable
Gruberova is wonderful in this performance, with luscious changes of texture and amplitude, especially in her upper register, showing tremendous control combined with artistic sense at every breath and glance. Shicoff may take a few minutes to get used to, but soon I felt his romantic attachment and admired his beautiful singing, as well. I actually prefer him to almost all other Alfredos, albeit his voice is not quite as strong as some, but he, like Gruberova, showed artistry and did not throw away a note and maintained phrasing. I love this recording. There is certainly no "definitive" Traviata, but this is certainly in my short list!