Verdi: La traviata ***
Royal Opera, 18th May 2015
Twenty-one years, twelve revivals and umpteen casts later, Richard Eyre’s Royal Opera production of La traviata still has much to recommend it. Bob Crowley’s designs are handsome – the salon in Flora’s draws gasps from newcomers – and the costumes are sumptuous. It is the very model of a modern major house stalwart. However, any revival stands or falls by its principals and their ability to inhabit the roles rather than merely sing them prettily. A good revival director helps. With indifferent singing and rudderless direction, this revival, although often efficient, failed to move me.
Marina Rebeka (Violetta) and Franoc Vassallo (Germont)
© Catherine Ashmore | ROH
Read the full review on Bachtrack.