Photo by Marco Brescia “La Traviata” Theatro alla Scala, 2007

高級娼婦のヴィオレッタは社交界の人気者。彼女に心を奪われたアルフレードは一途な愛を捧げ、2人は一緒に暮らし始めます。ところが数か月経ったある日、アルフレードの留守中に彼の父が現れ、息子と別れるよう迫ります。悩み抜いた末に彼女は別れを受け入れますが、裏切られたと思い込んだアルフレードは、後に再会した彼女を公衆の面前で侮辱してしまいます。己の招いた事件を悔いた父はようやく2人の関係を許します。しかし、その時既にヴィオレッタの体は重い病に蝕まれていたのでした。

Violetta, a famed courtesan, is a society belle. Alfredo, a young nobleman, has long adored Violetta, and they come to live together. After a happy few months, however, Alfredo’s father visits their house during Alfredo’s absence and demands Violetta to break off her relationship with his son. With growing remorse, she finally agrees to leave him. Alfredo, being convinced that she deserted him, humiliates and denounces Violetta in front of the guests when he sees her again later. Observing the event, Alfredo’s father finally forgives their love, repenting what he has done. It is too late, though, because Violetta’s health has irreparably worsened by then.

オープニングのサロンのシーンはゴージャス感たっぷり。映像も奥行きを活かした質感のある仕上がりとなっています。けれども、最も見応えのあるものは、やはり主演を務めるゲオルギュー。アルフレードの愛に心開いてゆく場面や、別れを求められた時の動揺と決意、そして最後の病床でのシーンなど、まさに迫真というべき演技と歌唱です。心揺さぶられるに違いありません。

The opening scene of the Salon is sheerly gorgeous. The vision takes full advantage of the depth of the stage. However, by far the most impressive and spectacular is Angela Gheorghiu, who plays the protagonist Violetta. She vividly depicts and sings Violatta’s alteration and intention in such scenes when she gradually opens up to Alfredo, when she is forced to break up with him, and where she is laid up in the end. I’m sure you will be impressed and deeply moved.