Verdi’s La Traviata is a gloriously energetic opera with sumptuous music and very memorable arias that was chosen by Auckland Philharmonia as their operatic production this year at Auckland’s Town Hall on the 5th July.
The basic story revolves around Violetta (Luiza Fatyol), a popular courtesan who falls in love with a young and somewhat earnest young man called Alfredo (Oliver Sewell). Moving away from Paris they settle into domestic bliss together, but not all is well. Alfredo is a spendthrift, Violetta is hiding how dangerously ill she is, and Alfredo’s father Giorgio (Phillip Rhodes) is desperate to end the match so as to prevent any scandal interfering with his daughter’s upcoming marriage.
As you can imagine, there are misunderstandings, broken hearts, remorse and ultimately tragedy. As with many operas of the time this is a moral play about the redemptive power of love and saving the soul of a fallen woman. Violetta’s illness is never stated outright, but she coughs a lot so it’s safe to assume that she’s suffering from the ‘go to’ illness of the operatic world – tuberculosis. She is probably saved from going to hell by the love and forgiveness of Alfredo and her own acknowledgement of her past sins, but it’s not enough to save her life. The ending is reminiscent of La Bohème, and as such is just as dramatic when the end finally arrives.
Verdi’s music is always a pleasure to listen to and La Traviata is full of superb pieces including the initial one Libiamo nè lieti calici, (a.k.a Brindisi) which is a rollicking number about how everyone wants to get drunk and have fun. Sempre libera is perhaps its most famous, and it too is about drinking. So you see, there’s nothing new about people wanting a good time!
Auckland Phil’s delivery of the opera was simply delightful. I have written before what a talented bunch of musicians we have in this city and they delivered to their usual fantastic standards. This production was stripped right back, a concert form of the opera rather than a full production with sets. There was simply the orchestra, the singers, and an engaged audience. Fatyol brought an emotional depth and vocal finesse to Violetta and pairing her with Sewell as Alfredo was a good choice with their obvious chemistry and beautiful voices. Rhodes as Giorgio brought his usual wonderful baritone and commanding presence to the production. The rest of the main singers and of course the NZ Opera Chorus were all on form and sang so beautifully. I have to mention conductor Giordano Bellincampi who’s stylish direction and obvious delight and enthusiasm for the opera is infectious.
This La Traviata was a sumptuous evening of glorious music and singing that I will never forget.
Visit the Auckland Philharmonia website here.
Picture credit – Sav Schulman