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The Kleiber/Cotrubas/Domingo/Milnes Traviata - remarkable

Some time ago I posted about this opera and a poster reminded me about the Kleiber interpretation of it. That bugged me for a bit until I realised I used to have it on LP, now departed. So, I bought a used set a few weeks ago - they are available at Amazon for $9.39.

And what a block buster recording it is. Recorded 45 years ago but, on the right gear, comes through brilliantly. And there is the rub. I lent it to a friend and he remarked it was a bit "bright" for him. He looked up the original Gramophone review and it said the same. And that reminded me how, in general terms, I had not liked the DGG recordings because of that.

So I listened to this Traviata using a variety of gear and indeed that brightness was evident. However via FLAC from Sooloos into a NuForce DAC9 -> Sennheiser HD800 headphones it plays VERY nicely. All of which makes me wonder about criticisms I've made in the past about recordings, crits which were more due to the inability of the playback gear to handle the recording correctly.

Back to this interpretation - when singing "E strano ...> Follie" Cotrubas is electrifying in the passion of her singing and never fails to move me.

As before, there is no "best" Traviata - what appeals to me might not to another, but if you get a chance to hear this 1977 recording, do not pass it up. And I would be interested to hear what you think.

John

What can be more subjective than music? It reflects our personal tastes and preferences.


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Topic - The Kleiber/Cotrubas/Domingo/Milnes Traviata - remarkable - John C. - Aussie 23:46:25 06/12/12 (2)

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