This was the first review of a recording I ever composed. Although you can find the original on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Verdi-Traviata-Giuseppe/dp/B00000I92Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1285017553&sr=1-2) , due to the fact that it wasn't credited to me when I posted it, it's reproduced here:
I can't believe I'm the first to write a review of this recording! There's not much more you can ask in a Traviata than Sutherland, Bergonzi, and Merrill, all in their prime. On the surface, Sutherland's performance lacks the commitment Callas consistently brought to the role. However on repeated listenings, details surface that show Sutherland definitely had more than a vocal sympathy for Violetta. At this point in her career, she herself has said it was her favorite role. Her account of "Dite alle giovine" is shattering when listened to with the right ears. And of course, you have her immaculate vocalism. Set against this great achievement is the Alfredo of Bergonzi, the model Verdi tenor. Even Domingo, an artist I greatly respect and admire, is sometimes vocally incapable of the subtlety Bergonzi had at his command here. He is quite simply the best Alfredo I've heard. As for Robert Merrill, he may not be Tito Gobbi, but his account of Germont is more than adequate and what a voice! The recording is a little over-reverberant, obscuring some detail, but the Decca engineers were still struggling to cope with capturing the "Sutherland sound" in its fullest degree. Pritchard's conducting is generally inspired, only occasionally lapsing into the routine. The final factor in reviewing this recording is the price. As a Decca Double, this recording is a steal, a must have! (And yes, I've heard Decca's latest foray with Solti, Ghiorgiou, etc. It doesn't even come close.) There really is no perfect studio Traviata, but this one comes closer than most.
