LA TRAVIATA - La Scala 1928 (Complete Opera Verdi)

Mercedes Capsir - Violetta Valery
Lionello Cecil - Alfredo Germont
Carlo Galeffi - Giorgio Germont

Toscanini's La Scala colleague Lorenzo Molajoli conducts the Orchestra and Chorus of La Scala, Milan.
(Recorded from 1st to 22nd November 1928)

Cavaliere Lorenzo Molajoli (1868-1939) conducted twenty complete or abridged operas for Columbia Records between 1928 and 1932. This is a great Traviata, absolutely worthy of inclusion in a serious Verdi collection. Capsir is a terrific Violetta, navigating the rigors of the part with the surety of a master singer. Her 'Sempre libera' (25:54) is quite astonishing, and her 'Addio, del passato' (1:30:20) is worthy of comparison to any other version I know of. I am partial to Stracciari's 'Di Provenza' (   • LA TRAVIATA - Belle Epoque Recordings  ), but Carlo Galeffi's version here (54:52) is admirably well sung, with a long line and beautiful tone. I'm not terribly impressed with Lionello Cecil's Alfredo, although I can't remember the last time I was thrilled by anybody singing the role (he's something of a foil for her the whole piece).

Don't miss Capsir's 1914 solo recording of 'Sempre libera' at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB1J9...

No living soprano could outsing Mercedes Capsir.

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Act 1

The salon in Violetta's house (03:58). Violetta - the consumptive heroine with a dodgy past - gives a party (Libiamo ne' lieti calici, 08:57) at which one of the guests, a young man called Alfredo, declares his undying love for her (Un dì, felice, eterea, 14:28). As everyone leaves, Violetta wonders if this really can be true love (Ah, fors'è lui, 22:08) but then dismisses the idea. In 'Sempre libera' (25:54) she declares that she will just enjoy life, drinking and partying, always laughing and never miserable. Alfredo is heard off-stage, singing of universal love, while Violetta declares that love for her cannot be possible and asks instead for her freedom to be happy.

Act 2

Violetta's country house outside Paris (29:34). Three months later, Alfredo and Violetta are living together (Alfredo: De' miei bollenti spiriti, 31:12). Alfredo's father, Giorgio, demands that she break off her relationship with his son for the sake of his family, since he reveals that Violetta's relationship with Alfredo has threatened his daughter's engagement (Pura siccome un angelo, 36:41) because of Violetta's reputation. With growing remorse, she finally agrees (Dite alla giovine sì bella e pura, 43:09). As she is writing a farewell letter to Alfredo, he enters. She can barely control her sadness and tears (Amami, Alfredo, 53:02). Giorgio returns and attempts to comfort his son (Di Provenza il mar, 54:52), but Alfredo rushes out...

Party at Flora's house (59:22). Flora calls for the entertainers to perform for the guests (Chorus: Noi siamo zingarelle, 1:00:32; Di Madride noi siam mattadori, 1:03:15). Violetta arrives with Baron Douphol. As everyone is leaving the room, Violetta has asked Alfredo to see her. Alfredo misunderstands her apprehension and demands that she admit that she loves the Baron. In grief, she makes that admission and, furiously, Alfredo calls the guests to witness what he has to say (Questa donna conoscete?, 1:12:38). She faints onto the floor. Giorgio enters the hall (Di sprezzo degno sè stesso rende). Violetta turns to Alfredo (Alfredo, Alfredo... 1:16:31).

Act 3

Violetta's bedroom (1:20:42). Violetta will not live long since her tuberculosis has worsened. Alone in her room, she reads a letter from Alfredo's father (Teneste la promessa, 1:28:33), but she senses it is too late (Addio, del passato, 1:30:20). The lovers are reunited and Alfredo suggests that they leave Paris (Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo, 1:35:46). She knows her time is up (Gran Dio!...morir sì giovane, 1:41:08). A moment later, she dies in Alfredo's arms.

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Il Barbiere di Siviglia - Mercedes Capsir - La Scala 1929 (Complete Opera Rossini):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uRDe...

Lucia di Lammermoor - Mercedes Capsir - La Scala 1929 (Complete Opera Donizetti):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgIhh...

LA TRAVIATA - Belle Epoque Recordings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB1J9...

LA TRAVIATA Recordings 1904-1914:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8FM2...

LA TRAVIATA - Maria Callas, Lisbon 1958 (Complete Opera Verdi):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oJwd...

LA TRAVIATA - Carlos Kleiber 1977 (Complete Opera Verdi):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00S8C...

LA TRAVIATA - Riccardo Muti (Rehearsal) La Scala 1992 (Complete Opera Verdi):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUZNL...

Ah, fors'è lui ~ Maria Callas, Regina Pacini, Luisa Tetrazzini, and...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5k3Q...

Teneste la promessa - Toscanini vs. Claudia Muzio (La Traviata):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJw2n...

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