Verdi, Sutherland, Pavarotti, Manuguerra, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge – La Traviata

Giuseppe Verdi – La Traviata
Joan Sutherland · Luciano Pavarotti · Sherrill Milnes · National Philharmonic Orchestra · Richard Bonynge

This celebrated recording of Verdi’s La Traviata brings together a star-studded cast led by Joan Sutherland as Violetta, Luciano Pavarotti as Alfredo, and Sherrill Milnes as Germont, under the refined direction of Richard Bonynge. The National Philharmonic Orchestra provides a rich, opulent backdrop that supports the vocal drama with warmth and lyrical depth.

One of Verdi’s most enduring operas, La Traviata tells the tragic story of love and sacrifice against the constraints of society. Sutherland’s performance combines vocal brilliance with emotional vulnerability, while Pavarotti delivers Alfredo’s youthful passion with signature clarity and lyricism. Milnes adds dramatic weight and authority, completing a powerful central trio.

Bonynge’s interpretation leans into the beauty of Verdi’s melodic writing, allowing the drama to unfold with elegance and grandeur. The result is a sweeping, emotionally resonant performance that remains one of the most admired versions of the opera on record.

A cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, this La Traviata is both vocally spectacular and deeply affecting.

Tracklist:

1-1 – Prelude

Act I
1-2 – “Dell’invito trascorsa…”
1-3 – Brindisi: “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici”
1-4 – “Che è ciò? … Oh, qual pallor!”
1-5 – “Un dì felice, eterea”
1-6 – “È strano! … Ah, fors’è lui”
1-7 – “Follie! Follie! … Sempre libera”

Act II (Scene I)
2-1 – “Lunge da lei”
2-2 – “De’ miei bollenti spiriti”
2-3 – “O mio rimorso!”
2-4 – “Pura siccome un angelo”
2-5 – “Ah! dite alla giovine” / “Morrò! la mia memoria”
2-6 – “Dammi tu forza, o cielo!” / “Amami, Alfredo”
2-7 – “Di Provenza il mar, il suol”
2-8 – “No, non udrai rimproveri”

Act II (Scene II)
3-1 – “Avrem lieta di maschere la notte” / “Noi siamo zingarelle”
3-2 – “Alfredo! voi!” / “Or tutti a me” / “Ogni suo aver”
3-3 – “Di sprezzo degno”

Act III
3-4 – “Annina?” / “Comandate?”
3-5 – “Teneste la promessa … Addio del passato”
3-6 – Baccanale: “Largo al quadrupede”
3-7 – “Signora!” / “Che t’accade?”
3-8 – “Parigi, o cara” / “Ah! gran Dio! morir sì giovane”
3-9 – “Ah, Violetta!” / “Se una pudica vergine”