Verdi- La Traviata -Blu-ray-

Product Description Verdi's tragic masterpiece is elegantly updated by director Tom Cairns in this 'fresh and thrillingly unfamiliar' (Independent) Glyndebourne production, in which Violetta's death is cast as an idée fixe, creating a liberating framework that is well supported by Hildegard Bechtler's semi-abstract designs. Described as a soprano of 'huge presence, compelling to watch', Venera Gimadieva is 'thrilling' (Guardian) in her company debut as the doomed courtesan, well matched by Michael Fabiano's sharply suited and 'robustly-sung' Alfredo (Financial Times), with Tassis Christoyannis delivering an imposing performance as the formidable Germont père. Conductor Mark Elder reveals his mastery of the opera's dramatic shape, coaxing each and every nuance out of the London Philharmonic Orchestra to create beautifully stylish music-making. Review "The transfer to the small screen enhances some subtleties (especially of the stronger first half) and lets Venera Gimadieva's Violetta feel like a Gheorgiu-like success of a star on the cusp. The Russian soprano has, and shows skillfully, a grasp of the situation in which the character finds herself that is not only telegraphically clear but most un-prima donna-ish. She is backed up at every stage by Sir Mark Elder's fresh beating, pacing and balancing of the score - a result the suggests his recent years of work with bel canto repertoire and early-instrument ensembles have taken his Verdi a further stage even beyond his achievements for ENO." --Mike Ashman