MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Verdi: La Traviata (Highlights from the 1981 recording)

"Joan Sutherland once again sings the role of Violetta quite well, if not quite as dazzling as she was in her 1963 recording of this opera. Matteo Manuguerra sings a lovely Germont. He sings the score with authority, providing in the big moments, but also singing with a sort of tenderness that bewitches many baritones who tackle this daunting role. But, the star of this album is Pavarotti. Pav was the quintessential Alfredo. He sings his aria and cabaletta with verve to begin Act 2. He had a thorough comprehension of the dynamics within this score and delivered with each and every phrase. Richard Bonynge brings his expert touch to this score." Operavivra (Best recordings of La Traviata)