La traviata

Synopsis

Amongst the most popular of Verdi's operas, La traviata is the work of a master of the musical drama. Its perfumed arias and soaring choruses vividly depict the ravishingly decadent but glamorous world of Parisian high society as the background to a heart rending story of romantic happiness destroyed. Original book called La Dame aux Camelias.

Our Review:

12 May 2010

Since its unveiling some 16 years ago, Richard Eyre’s staging of La traviata has been not just the jewel but the Koh-i-noor in the Royal Opera’s crown. It’s easy to see why: Bob Crowley’s designs are monumental and intricate, with just enough skew to please the modern eye. His palette thrills, his costumes dazzle. Revival after revival, this visual feast can survive the most anaemic of casts.

A couple of months from now Eyre’s original Violetta, Angela Gheorghiu, will make a much-heralded return to this, the production that propelled her to international prominence back in 1994. So if the current outing feels like a dry run for the excitement to come, a bit perfunctory in places and low on verve, perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised.

Verdi’s lush operatic take on Alexandre Dumas’ La Dame aux camélias, in which he portrays the love affair of a dying courtesan, packs more wonderful tunes to the pound t...

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