Verdi: La Traviata (2 SACD)

A heartbreaking and provocative tragedy. The Dresden Philharmonic, the Saxon State Opera Chorus Dresden and conductor Daniel Oren present Verdi's masterpiece La Traviata with a top-notch cast, including René Barbera as Alfredo, Lester Lynch as Germont and world-star soprano Lisette Oropesa as Violetta. Verdi's 1853 opera was revolutionary in that it took a theme from its own time rather than the usual historically distant stories. Interestingly, this tragic tale of a woman who sacrifices her love to save the honor of her lover's family still seems as fresh and relevant as ever, which explains its unwavering popularity. La Traviata is an endless outpouring of unforgettable melodies with a gripping dramatic tempo as well as a story that is both heartbreaking and provocative. The lead soprano role gradually shifts from coloratura virtuosity to a more lyrical, dramatic idiom as the tragedy unfolds, and this performance demonstrates Oropesa's fluency in both styles. Having sung the title role in the world's greatest opera houses, this studio recording captures her incomparable interpretation for future generations.