Interview: Angela Gheorghiu on La Traviata at The Royal Opera House

[peter1233546]

I have always admired Gheorghiu from a vocal standpoint. However, I'm not a fan of hers dramatically as I have found her both melodramatic and artificial. This is just my opinion and I'm sorry if it offends anyone.

[MyMusikant]

One of the best Traviatas ever!!!

[DieSonneSinkt]

@MyMusikant Well, it depends on what you want; a mere technician or an auteur.

[DieSonneSinkt]

There isn't a sort of melancholy in Violetta here. She seems very flat; an outright fallen epicurean aristocrat - whereas a performance like that of Stratas shows a deeper, existential character of Viotella; the sadness in her, her fall into banality as a means of escaping her agony, etc. This performance is simply for a few bankers' housewives to weep sentimentally over.

[Rcoppin91]

@DieSonneSinkt That might be true, but Angela can at least sing the role. I listen to Stratas' Sempre Libra for a good laugh.

[chislehurstbat]

@DieSonneSinkt I like Teresa Stratas as Violetta too. I have the most beautiful early live recording of Stratas as Violetta together with the glorious Fritz Wunderlich as Alfredo. But let's be fair, Angela is a great singer with a wonderful stage presence. I am going to see her sing at ROH in July and very much looking forward to it!

[chislehurstbat]

I have been at the opening night of La Traviata at ROH. It was very beautiful. I absolutely loved her peformance. Loved it!

[Qbendanny]

SEXY (That always sells extra tickets..)

[anzdf]

Maravillosa voz.