Within only a few years, Anna Netrebko has become one of the most acclaimed
performers of our time, whose popularity transcends by far the boundaries
of classical music. With her CDs garnering phenomenal sales and her stage
appearances causing worldwide box-office stampedes, Anna Netrebko is on her
way to becoming the new diva assoluta.
This recording of Verdi's "La Traviata" from the 2005 Salzburg Festival -
the uncontested and hopelessly sold-out highlight of the festival season -
captures the triumphal performance not only of Anna Netrebko as Violetta
Valéry, but also of Rolando Villazón as her lover Alfredo. The glamorous
Russian soprano and the heartthrob Mexican tenor have become the new dream
team of the opera world.
The international press was unanimous in praising the singers' phenomenal
range, heavenly timbre, musical finesse and powerful, charismatic stage
presence. Portraying Alfredo's father is one of the leading baritones of
our time, Thomas Hampson. The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation's (ORF)
simultaneous telecast of the premiere scored a phenomenal 29% market share.
Willy Decker's stark, elegantly stylish stage production makes Anna
Netrebko the center of attention at all times. The sets and costumes are by
Wolfgang Gussmann. "La Traviata" is conducted by Carlo Rizzi, performed by
the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and directed for
television by Emmy-Award winner Brian Large.
This program is also available as premium edition and as Blu-ray disc in selected stores worldwide and through Amazon.
