Angela Gheorghiu's performance as Violetta in La Traviata in 1994 was so significant that the BBC cleared its schedules to broadcast the opera live, leading to headlines like 'A star is born'.
Performer Biography
Vincenzo Scalera, the pianist on this album, joined Milan's Teatro alla Scala in 1980 as a coach and pianist, assisting conductors like Claudio Abbado and Carlos Kleiber.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in May 2023 at St John's Upper Norwood in London.
Compositional Technique
Many melodies from Puccini's songs were later used in his famous operas like Manon Lescaut, La bohème, and La rondine, though with different texts and harmonizations.
Performer Biography
Angela Gheorghiu, the acclaimed soprano on this album, made her international debut in 1992 at the Royal Opera House London as Mimì in La bohème.
Performer Biography
Angela Gheorghiu has received numerous international artistic honors, including Chevalier and Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and multiple Gramophone awards.
Composition History
The songs on this album were composed by Giacomo Puccini between the ages of 16 and 61, showcasing his development over his career.
