The main reason for owning this set is the remarkable Violetta of Victoria de los Angeles. Always a voice of almost unbearable beauty and expressiveness, as Violetta there’s always sadness present. Even at forced “happy” moments, such as the first act party scene, de los Angeles lets us know that Violetta is “the lost one”, and that furthermore, she herself knows it. The tear in her voice is irresistibly moving. She’s surrounded by a competent if not memorable Alfredo in Carlo del Monte and Mario Sereni offers a fine elder Germont. The leadership is what you would expect from Tullio Serafin–knowing, empathetic, and truly Verdian. Love de los Angeles? Buy this.
