Title: Fleming is no Violetta
Product review: I looked with interest to watching Fleming in this role, but now that I've watched her I would say that this role is not a suitable vehicle for her. First of all, it's difficult to shine in this role when the soprano who gave its best rendition ever (Gheorghiu's 1994 ROH with Solti conducting) is still well and alive and performs it even now in her late forties. Second, there are issues of affinity, fit, and match, and Fleming and Violetta do not go well together. Third, she tends to be mannered, a problem that undermines her portrayal especially in the crucial act II. Fourth, not much of a chemistry with Villazon...I like Fleming in Strauss and Mozart, but Verdi in general and Traviata in particular are not her thing.
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