Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan
This live recording of the 1955 Visconti production at La Scala is the best of  the available Maria CallasTraviatas. 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