La Traviata

I do not know who did the casting for this production of  La Traviata nor how that even works, but all I know is that I have never been more impressed with an opera. For one,  there were only three Acts and very few scene changes. Visually speaking the costumes were nothing spectacular with the exception of one poofy dress. There was nothing elaborate about the settings either - they were quite simple with the exception of a grand table. BUT, what mattered thee most was this:  their voices blended so perfectly and balanced so noticeably and sounded so heavenly that I no longer noticed anything else. I was completely enraptured in the audible. Violetta's voice is thee most beautiful I have ever heard -perfect vibrato and emotionally stirring and passionate. She undoubtedly loves what she does. Alfredo's and Giorgio's voices were equally gifted. I could not get over the talent. The actor/singer that played the part of Alfredo once said about himself, "I did not say , I'm going to be the best singer in the world. Instead I said, I'm going to be the best singer that I can be." He certainly did!

The story takes places in Paris. Violetta (of a rich family) is being tormented in choosing between living a life of continued empty pleasure or choosing Alfredo's love that she knows is from Providence. He stayed by her bedside every day for an entire year during the time of her illness. (Dumb woman - easy choice!) I will leave it at that. This opera is a tragedy, as are most operas. The ending is one of mercy and forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Splendid opera!

We missed visiting with John's Aunt Jean this time. She is a season ticket holder at the Lyric Opera. The last three seasons we had begun a new tradition of attending an opera together. She is not doing well medically speaking and the doctors are searching for answers to her recent declining health. Please hold her in prayer.