Natalie Dessay and Matthew Polenzani perform “Sempre Libera” from La Traviata. Acclaimed French soprano Natalie Dessay makes her Met role debut as Violetta, the fallen woman who sacrifices her last chance for love, in Verdi’s La Traviata airing on THIRTEEN’s Great Performances at the Met Sunday, August 26 at 12 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).
5 Responses to ““Sempre Libera” from La Traviata”
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I was lucky enough to see this production at The Met in April while on a business trip in NYC. Thank you PBS for sharing this experience with others. The music is so beautiful, you will cry
Incredible performance by Natalie Dessay. Every note was perfect and crystal clear. The tenor was exceptional along with the bass (father of alfredo). The austere set and few people on the stage showcased these amazing artists. Thank you to the Met for sharing this with us on PBS.
Beautiful… the simple eleganance of the set… along with the incredible performances… did indeed showcase these amazing artists. Thank you ~ KAET-TV PBS in Phoenix!
I refuse to be intimidated that the Emperor is wearing clothes; The Emperor is Peter Gelb and he is stark naked.
Forty two years ago I immigrated to New York BECAUSE of the Met which I thought was sensational; It always had the best and most expensive productions anywhere in the world. Who can forget Zefferelli’s Tosca? Gelb has trashed Lohengrin, which had one of the most exquisite productions on earth. Traviata has been thrown into the garbage. I nearly vomited when I saw that crappy clock on stage. The second act of Anna Bolena looked like the outside of a modern parking garage with remote controlled doors.. Don Carlo’s second act looked like a Chase Manhattan Bank in the middle of the Mexican desert. I refused to see the abomination that is the Ring. Indeed I no longer go to the opera and prefer to listen to past recordings of all the great stars on Syrius radio without having to call the ambulance because I have chest pain. How insulting to see that the reason Dessay removes her red dress and dons a black one is because she no longer wants to be a prostitute; Who knew? Mr Gelb, go fly a kite!! Speaking for myself, you are no longer welcome in New York City.
I thought it was wonderful…the pared down set was refreshing…the music was the focal point without eye distractions and it was surrealistic but true not the greatest. you are funny.