Guild has never been known to shy away from unusual recordings, as long as they are good, and this one is very good. Your instincts might battle the thought of a Traviata in Russian, but there is a lot to enjoy here, together with that which is, shall we say, controversial. I must tell you in all honesty that my knowledge of the Russian language extends only to the words I've learnt from the operas and that there isn't a translation or text included with this set, so my review is based entirely on my familiarity with the original.

First the conductor then. Alexander Orlov turns in a supremely idiomatic and imaginative performance, equal of any Panizza or Gavanezzi. The orchestra are sensitive to his direction and they don't sound out of place the way you might imagine them to be. The overture floats like gossamer in the opening and turns bitter sweet at the end, beginning the opera on a high note. In every other place after the conducting is flexible and the pacing exemplary.

Yelizaveta Shumskaya (or Elizabeta Shumskaya as she was also spelt) was a mainstay at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre and was basically a lyric dramatic, capable of vast amounts of shading with quite a large nevertheless. Her voice is full of femininity and is quite believable in the role of Violetta, even from bottom to top except for the very high notes which find her straining occasionally. Her interpretation is full of little interesting deviations from the score, such as the end of her Sempre libera where she interpolates not a high E-flat but a C instead, and the big ritenuto when she sings Ah, perche' venni, incauta! Pieta' di me, gran Dio! in Act II. Little touches such as these

The whole choral section that ends Act I Scene 1 (Si ridesta in ciel l'aurora) is cut, incidentally, most frustratingly since Verdi's little touch emphasizes the loneliness Violetta feels after all that drink and song. In terms of characterization hers is not an overtly dramatic one such as Callas, for example. But the beauty of her instrument is undeniable, as is the musicality of her interpretation.

Ivan Semyonovich Kozlovsky is the Alfredo on this recording and it is about him that many might find problems. His voice was distinctive to a fault, standing out like a sore thumb, really. Many will be familiar with what I mean through his Lensky, with Orlov, available on Naxos 8.110216-17 (he sings a beautiful Lensky's Aria). With Alfredo you expect an amount of heft even in the young voice, but depending on how you take to Kozlovsky's voice, he sounds either very young or indeed, effete. Half the time he sounds like he's falsettoing, which is a little off-putting because he can certainly sing full chest notes when he wants to (ear-splittingly loud in fact, though whether this was due to the placing of the microphones we'll never know). Certainly whether you will enjoy his singing will depend on whether you can get over this.

Many great things are said in the accompanying booklet (detailed and a pleasure to read as always) about the baritone Pavel Lisitsian, and he is one of the better voices here. His voice is rich and balanced, ingratiating yet full of command and power, fully worthy, as the notes say, of being in one of the great opera houses of the world. His confrontation and  duet with Violetta in the second Act is not the most charged emotionally but rather more restrained.  Their voices play off well against each other most effectively, though, and as pure vocalization is a model of singing, really.

The rest of the opera is more exciting, involved and dramatically effective. The party scene at Flora's starts off coolly but quickly heats up after the gypsy chorus and the matador chorus that comes after. Kozlovsky's voice still got in the way of my enjoyment at the start, though he improves a lot later, but Shumskaya is a pure joy here, acting out Violetta to perfection. Each time she appears her voice lights up the proceedings with its sheer beauty. What a singer she was!

Starting with Invitato a qui seguirmi, verra deso? - where the two lovers confront each other the action becomes super-heated - the exchange between Shumskaya and Kozlovsky is irresistible.

Overall this is a worthy version of Traviata for those already familiar with the Italian and willing to try something different. Lisitsian and Shumskaya are excellent singers in full command of their voices, no doubt, your mileage may vary with Kozlovsky. If this were in Italian it would have been more recommendable as a mainstream recording but the quality of the singers makes it more than a mere novelty. As a bonus, we have four tracks of Verdi arias sung by Lisitsian, stylishly and with that same rock-like voice. The sound is quite listenable and will not pose problems for most. Recommended!

Readers' Comments

---

From: 123 (dress15@live.cn / Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 10:59:49)

Maternity Bridesmaids Bridesmaid Dresses Find Online Cocktail Wedding mother of the bride dresses Maternity Bridesmaids mother of the bride dresses Find Online Find Online hand worked Cocktail Wedding Maternity Bridesmaids homecoming dresses colors and styles Maternity Bridesmaids Bridesmaid Dresses For the bride mother of the bride dresses hand worked homecoming dresses wedding pictures flower girl dresses New Style Bridesmaid Dresses For the bride Detachable Satin Simple Bridesmaid Dresses Prom Bridesmaid Dresses Bridal Gowns pick-up skirt Bridesmaid Dresses New Style A-line Spaghetti Strap New Style Bridesmaid Dresses Black Bridesmaid Dresses wedding pictures flower girl dresses White Bridesmaid Dresses many color New Style Bridesmaid Dresses New Style Dresses comparison Bridesmaid Dresses Popular Flower Girl Dresses New Style flower girl dresses Spaghetti Flower Girl Dresses child beauty New Style Bridesmaid Dresses Custom-made Color Bridesmaid Dresses at discount price Black Bridesmaid Dresses Bridal Gowns comparison shopping Flower Girl Dresses Bridal Gowns in order to Bridesmaid Dresses such an effective plan Color Bridesmaid Dresses Infant Red Fleece New Style Bridesmaid Dresses New Style in order to Color Bridesmaid Dresses the lowest prices Black Bridesmaid Dresses Bridal Gowns White Bridesmaid Dresses wedding pictures Junior Bridesmaid Dresses Bridesmaid Dresses New Style Bridesmaid Dresses New Style Junior Bridesmaid Dresses Infant Red Fleece in order to Color Bridesmaid Dresses Bridal Gowns Color Bridesmaid Dresses Infant Red Fleece Bridesmaid Dresses.

---

From: 321 (Prom bridesmaid dresses / Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 14:51:24)

Cocktail Wedding Bridesmaid Dresses Cocktail Wedding pick-up skirt Sexy Bridesmaid Dresses wedding pictures pick-up skirt Simple Bridesmaid Dresses Spaghetti Bridesmaid Dresses mother of the bride dresses Cocktail Wedding Strapless Bridesmaid Dresses Junior Bridesmaid Dresses mother of the bride dresses at discount price Prom Bridesmaid Dresses Cocktail Wedding Discount Bridesmaid Dresses Cocktail Wedding Flower Girl Dresses wedding pictures at discount price Popular Flower Girl Dresses Cocktail Wedding Spaghetti Flower Girl Dresses Strapless Flower Girl Dresses wedding pictures Baby Flower Girl Dresses Cocktail Wedding at discount price Infant Flower Girl Dresses New Style Maternity Bridesmaids Toddler Flower Girl Dresses pick-up skirt Mother of The Bride Dresses Cocktail Wedding Simple Wedding Dresses wedding pictures at discount price Bridesmaid Dresses Bridal Gowns Maternity Bridesmaids Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses New Style pick-up skirt Fashion Bridesmaid Dresses Find Online Colored Bridesmaid Dresses mother of the bride dresses Maternity Bridesmaids Black Bridesmaid Dresses wedding pictures White Bridesmaid Dresses Cocktail Wedding at discount price Classic Bridesmaid Dresses Bridal Gowns Maternity Bridesmaids Junior Bridesmaid Dresses New Style the lowest prices Colored Junior Bridesmaid Dresses Find Online pick-up skirt Black Junior Bridesmaid Dresses Flower Girl Dresses Cocktail Wedding mother of the bride dresses Maternity Bridesmaids New Style Bridesmaid Dresses Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses New Style child beauty the lowest prices Color Bridesmaid Dresses Find Online Maternity Bridesmaids Fashion Bridesmaid Dresses wedding pictures Classic Bridesmaid Dresses New Style child beauty Junior Bridesmaid Dresses wedding pictures at discount price white Junior Bridesmaid Dresses Bridesmaids Dresses Bridal Gowns child beauty Maternity Bridesmaids New Style. white Junior Bridesmaid Dresses Bridal Gowns New Style child beauty wedding pictures Bridal Gowns.

---

From: christian louboutin (vhridc@gmail.com / Saturday, December 25, 2010 at 15:07:37)

Christian Louboutin Pumps Christian Louboutin Boots Christian Louboutin Sandals Christian Louboutin Pumps Sale Christian Louboutin Sale

---

From: FF (nihaoya2011@163.com / Monday, January 24, 2011 at 14:21:41)

BELSTAFF - Ocelot blouson lady jacket Belstaff Jackets Womens Virgo Lady Pearl Belstaff Jackets Womens Triumph Belted Leather Belstaff Jackets Mens Gangster Mit Red Belstaff Jackets Mens Gangster Mit Coffee Belstaff Jackets Mens Knockhill Vintage Leather Belstaff Jackets Mens Dark Night Blouson Belstaff Jackets Mens Leather Belstaff Jackets Mens Marten Belstaff Jackets Mens Brad Belstaff Jackets Mens Roadmaster Belstaff Jackets Mens Rebel Blouson Belstaff Jackets Mens Raf Blouson Blouson Belstaff Jackets Mens Collecting Dlouson Belstaff Jackets Mens Perforated Leather Panther Belstaff Jackets Mens Outlet UK Belstaff Jackets Mens Collection Belstaff Jackets Mens Original Trialmaster Belstaff Jackets Mens Streetmaster Belstaff Jackets Womens Collection Belstaff Jackets Womens Crowford lady Belstaff Jackets Womens Howard Belstaff Jackets Womens Collection Belstaff Jackets Womens Cat Black Belstaff Jackets Womens Original Brigand 1960 Lady Blouson Belstaff Jackets Womens Ocelot Blouson Lady Belstaff Jackets Womens Naima Belstaff Jackets Womens Modell Toxic Mit White Belstaff Jackets Womens Modell Toxic mit Coffeel Belstaff Jackets Womens Broad Bomber Belstaff Jackets Womens Modell Toxic mit Coffee Belstaff Jackets Womens Bradford Lady Belstaff Jackets Womens Modell Toxic Mit Black Belstaff Jackets Womens Mars Blouson Belstaff Jackets Womens Liss Blazer Belstaff Jackets Womens Body Gilet Belstaff Jackets Womens Leather Bomber Belstaff Jackets Womens Air Bomber Belstaff Jackets Womens Kyrton lady leather Belstaff Jackets Mens S. Icon Racing Belstaff Jackets Mens Sammy Miller Belstaff Jackets Mens Toxic Blouson Belstaff Jackets Mnes Panther Belstaff Jackets Mens Warmer Gilet Blouson Belstaff Jackets Mens Trialmaster Wax Black Belstaff Jackets Mens Trialmaster Belstaff Jackets Mens Vintage Belstaff Jackets Mens Roadmaster Blouson Belstaff Jackets Mens Albatros Belstaff Jackets Mens Autumn Brown Belstaff Jackets Kids Norton Belstaff Norton Jacket For Boys Belstaff Colonial Shoulder Bag 551 - Belstaff Bags Belstaff Colonial Shoulder Bag 554 Belstaff Colonial Shoulder Bag 554 Belstaff Colonial Shoulder Bag 554 Belstaff Colonial Shoulder Bag 556 Belstaff Junglemaster H/H Lady Boot Black-Belstaff Boots Belstaff Trailmaster Vent Lady Boot Choclate-Belstaff Boots Belstaff Trialmaster H/H Lady Brown Boot- Belstaff Boots Belstaff Trialmaster H/H Lady Maroon Boot- Belstaff Boots Belstaff Trialmaster Leather Boot - Belstaff Boots belstaff Belstaff Jackets

---

From: MBT shoes sale (addd@yahoo.com / Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 11:40:34)

YFA MBT shoes sale, 13 and MBT shoes sale for you! Timberland boots sale, 22 and Timberland boots sale for you! coach bags sale, 34 and coach bags sale for you! MBT shoes, 18 and MBT shoes for you! coach bags outlet, 40 and coach bags outlet for you! North face sale, 27 and North face sale for you! coach bags, 43 and coach bags for you! coach bags outlet, 44 and coach bags outlet for you! MBT shoes sale, 19 and MBT shoes sale for you! cheap coach bags, 46 and cheap coach bags for you! Timberland outlet, 26 and Timberland outlet for you! coach handbags, 32 and coach handbags for you! North face sale uk, 28 and North face sale uk for you! coach handbags outlet, 42 and coach handbags outlet for you! North face jackets sale, 30 and North face jackets sale for you! cheap MBT shoes, 15 and cheap MBT shoes for you! coach bags, 31 and coach bags for you! Timberland uk, 24 and Timberland uk for you! MBT trainers, 17 and MBT trainers for you! coach bags outlet, 35 and coach bags outlet for you! North face boots sale, North face boots sale for you! coach outlet, 36 and coach outlet for you! MBT shoes uk, 14 and MBT shoes uk for you! coach handbags, 39 and coach handbags for you! MBT trainers, 20 and MBT trainers for you! coach bags, 38 and coach bags for you! cheap Timberland boots, 23 and cheap Timberland boots for you! coach bags sale, 45 and coach bags sale for you!

---

From: jordan shoes (crazyplaza@hotmail.com / Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 20:34:29)

Air Jordan is one of the most popular brands of shoes ever released. The brand was created by Nike Shoes in 1985 for arguably the best basketball player of all time, Micheal Jordan. Since then, Air Jordans has released a new model of their basketball kicks each year. The first release of Air Jordan shoes (also known as ‘Cheap Jordans’) were known as the Air Jordan 1. The styles go numerically from 1-23 or I-XXIII and continue with the models 2009 and Air Jordan 2010. Micheal Jordan wore the # 23 for a good portion of his basketball career, which was the reason why the models only go up to 23 and then continue in a different format. There are hundreds of styles of Air Jordan shoes, all with their own unique design. Each model of shoe has its own story behind it. Here are some interesting facts about each model of Air Jordans.

We are wholesale all kinds of Cheap Jordan Shoes,if you looking more Jordan shoes online,welcome to our shoes online store,have lots of Cheap Jordans for you,new styles of Air Jordan 6,Air Jordan 11,Air Jordan 12,Air Jordan 13,Air Jordan 23,Air Jordan 5 etc top quality Jordans Shoes save 70% off hot selling.

Professional supply all kinds of Puma shoes with cheap price and top customer rater service,if you looking more cheap Puma shoes on sale,welcome to our Puma outlet online store choose the Puma sneakers.All the Puma running shoes are with original package.Our Puma Store have lots of new arrival Puma Ferrari,Puma Suede,Puma Speed Cat,Puma Future Cat,and Puma Ducati etc Pumas save more 70% cheap for you.

Thanks for your article! This is my point

Return to the Classical Index!... or Visit the Inkvault archives!

All original texts are copyrighted. Please seek permission from the Classical Editor
if you wish to reproduce/quote Inkpot material.