La Traviata (Haitink) (1988)

"This a memorable performance on almost every count. Sir Peter Hall's staging in the South Downs is a revelatory exposition of the work, one that marches entirely with the objectives of the composer. Here, within a reasonably conventional set ting (John Gunter's evocative decor), the aching intensity of Violetta's tragedy is played out with complete conviction through the devotion of players and cast to Hall's and Verdi's concept. None of this would have been possible without McLaughlin's wholehearted portrayal: she gives her whole body and soul to the role, those heartrending, forlorn eyes show happiness, vulnerability, distress, fatal acceptance and about every other emotion going on in her mind. Haitink conducts a lived-in, unobtrusive performance, favouring deliberate speeds, obtaining lovely playing from the LPO. McLaughlin and Hall make this an unforgettable experience that will bear much repetition. A.B." (Gramophone; klik op link voor complete tekst)