Not Just Another Violetta

As everyone interested in such things knows by now, Monday's opening performance of "La Traviata" had its problems. Simply put, the conductor and the singers were not always in sync. Even so, it wasn't difficult for the audience to remain engaged with the work, largely due to Angela Gheorghiu's definitive portrayal of Violetta. One of the few sopranos since Callas to truly make the role her own, Gheorghiu moved past instances of uncertain timing to propel the drama to its well known conclusion. Just one example of her ability to take the music to places others seldom go could be heard in her stirring account of "Amami Alfredo". Personally, as someone familiar with Gheorghiu's voice from repeated listenings to her recordings, the evening provided a first opportunity to hear and see the soprano live. In such situations one finds oneself merely adjusting to the fact that the artist is actually present; I spent the initial moments saying to myself: "It's really Angela". To some degree, this state continued throughout the performance and remains even now five days later. I'll be going back for the April 17th matinee for another look and perhaps some further observations.