La Traviata

A traditional operatic story taken from the play La Dame aux Camellias. Violetta (Tenesa Stratas) is a courtesan to the rich men of Paris, she gives flamboyant parties and is desired by men young and old. She also has consumption. Alfredo (Placido Domingo) falls for her with far more passion than she would normally expect or allow, but she reciprocates. Cue tragedy.

Using experience from stage design, Zeffirelli created incredibly opulent and detailed sets. Violetta's apartments, and later the ball, are given a sparkling crystal appearance by using painted perspex with the edges left clear for walls, doors and ceilings, along with real gas lights. In contrast, her bedroom becomes a wide dark space, resembling a stage, for her to sing her final aria.

Unfortunately, the problems of post-synchronisation play havoc with the effects desired of a filmed opera. During the filming of La Traviata, Teresa Stratas was so determined to sound like Callas that she re-recorded and re-dubbed he singing almost daily. The sound is good bub not perfect, but then it is just not possible to reproduce the real thing.

Review by Catherine Monelle
Taken from EUFS Programme 1994-95