It’s a scenic coup, but on Wednesday at the Metropolitan Opera, where the staging first arrived in 2010, there was a soprano in the leading role who could match it. As Violetta’s hopes and prospects dim, the blooms’ color seems to slowly leach away, leaving an ashen field of gray. All in all, beautiful.In Willy Decker’s production of Verdi’s “La Traviata,” a painted backdrop of jewel-tone flowers looms over the second act. Cornell MacNeil is not in his best voice, his vocal production has a more open sound than it did in its prime(1950s-early 1970s) however he does sing consistently and his characterisation of Germont is suitably sympathetic and distinguished. Ileana Cotrubas sings beautifully and is very touching, she is very good in the first two acts but it was the final act where she really shines. When it comes to the final scene, Domingo's reaction to Violetta's death has always come across to me as the most genuine, here is no exception. Placido Domingo is in particular wonderful, his voice is stunning and so is his acting. The performances are great, Ariel Bybee stands out among the support cast, but the three leads captivate.

The conducting and orchestra are top notch once again. Of the staging, my favourites were Sempre Libera, Ditta Alla Giuvine, the end of act 2 and the final scene, the latter of which moved me to tears. The Zeffirelli film will always be my favourite La Traviata, however this is a beautiful production with lavish costumes and sets and excellent video directing. The story is heartfelt and poignant, the characters beautifully realised and the music my favourite always being Ditta Alla Giuvine is sublime. If I had to have a top 5 of my favourite Verdi operas, La Traviata would definitely be there, alongside Otello, Don Carlo, Aida and Rigoletto.

The metropolitan opera la traviata