Fantasy La traviata
Thu, Jan 31 2013, 10:17AM
In February 1932, editor Compton Mackenzie challenged Gramophone's readers to choose their personal ideal cast for Verdi's La traviata. The results of the competition (printed below) are fascinating, featuring names that remain well known – Gigli, Toscanini – alongside those who are all but forgotten today.
To coincide with the publication of our 'Verdi at 200' special edition, we wondered which of today's singers – those still actively performing in opera houses – would comprise your ideal La traviata cast? So, we're looking for suggestions for the roles of Violetta (soprano), Flora (mezzo), Annina (soprano), Alfredo (tenor), Giorgio Germont (baritone), Gastone (tenor), Baron Douphol (baritone), Marchese D'Obigny (bass), plus the ideal opera chorus, orchestra and conductor. You can make your suggestions in the comments box below. Happy fantasy casting!
'La traviata – 1932'
Violetta Rosa Ponselle
Flora Irene Cattaneo
Annina Ida Conti
Alfredo Beniamino Gigli
Giorgio Germont Giuseppe de Luca
Gastone Giuseppe Nessi
Baron Douphol Apollo Granforte
Marchese D'Obigny Alexander Kipnis
The Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala, Milan / Arturo Toscanini
Listen to the 'La traviata – 1932' Spotify playlist below to sample the talents of Ponselle, Gigli, De Luca, Nessi, Granforte and Toscanini:
Thu, Jan 31 2013, 5:02PM
#2
RE: Fantasy La traviata
Villazon - nice choice. So who would conduct?
Sun, Feb 3 2013, 1:31AM
#3
RE: Fantasy La traviata
A Traviata at La Scala with Maria Callas/Giuseppe Di Stefano/Ettore Bastianini conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini is pretty much everybody´s dream Traviata.
...If I could ask for anthing more it would be good digital sound.
I nominate Rolando Villazon for Alfredo. I think his Alfredo in the Salzburg 2005 production is the best I ever heard. Great voice, great actor, great emotion. If he is still able to perform as in 2005 (with all the voice problems) I'm not sure, but if he is capable to sing the role the way he did in 2005, he is definitely my number 1.