Melodramatic singing, high emotion, and over-the-top plots give the opera the distinctive feeling of complete detachment from reality.
The Bulgarian company Opera Verdi Europa performed Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" Wednesday in the Mainstage Theater of the CFA. The audience gave the performance a standing ovation, showing that a little fantasy goes a long way.
"La Traviata" was written by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, and based on the story "The Lady of the Camellias," by Alexandre Dumas. The plot was also the basis for the film "Moulin Rouge."
Violetta is a French courtesan who chooses to abandon her sketchy past to find true love with Alfredo, a charming young man with one problem - he has no money. It's the old "princess and the stable boy" story.
The couple lives an idyllic life in the country for a few months, but then Alfredo discovers that Violetta is selling her belongings to support their lifestyle. He goes to his father to demand his inheritance so that he may, in some way, help with the living expenses. His father comes to the country house and successfully persuades Violetta to leave Alfredo.
Things turn ugly, as they often do when a relationship ends. Violetta attends a ball with another man, a wealthy baron. Alfredo offends the baron and insults Violetta, throwing his winnings at her as payment. He becomes remorseful, and finally agrees to leave Violetta entirely so that she may marry the baron.
There is no happily-ever-after for those in the opera world. This becomes apparent when the baron abandons Violetta. The drama intensifies when she discovers she has tuberculosis. Alfredo's father realizes the mistake he made when he separated the lovers so he brings Alfredo back from abroad to reunite with Violetta.
There was plenty to enjoy about this performance. The costumes were beautiful and the orchestra was wonderful. The scenery, though minimalist, was perfect for setting the scene without distracting the audience. In an opera with so many well-known themes, it was "De Miei Bollenti Spiriti," Alfredo's aria at the beginning of Act II that captured the audience, earning shouts of "Bravo!"
Some aspects in the opera were not as magnificent as Alfredo's singing. The lead soprano playing Violetta did not live up to her role. She seemed uncomfortable at first, with wooden inflexibility, and many looks to the musical director and Alfredo for cues. Fortunately, she grew into the role as the opera progressed so that by the final act, the audience was emotionally engaged in her final scene.
The lead tenor playing Alfredo was perhaps a bit too old and rotund for the part of the young, charming lover. Alfredo looked older than his father, but gave a spectacular vocal performance. When so much is focused on the performers' voices, shapely miscasting can be overlooked.
Despite the few shortcomings, "La Traviata" made for an evening well spent. It was a treat to be able to see an internationally renowned company present one of the world's best and most beloved operas right here on campus.
