OP1993. LA TRAVIATA, Live Performance, 1 Jan. 1955, w.Cleva Cond. Licia Albanese, Giacinto Prandelli, Ettore Bastianini, etc. (E.U.) 2-Walhall 0284. Specially priced. - 4035122652840

CRITIC REVIEWS:

"[In Albanese’s] superior vocal form on this evening broadcast….she again displays the superior vocal form of the previous decade….vocal health abounds in limpid tone, fastidious legato, vibrant tones in alt, and supple phrasing….As all New Year celebrations should, this Violetta presages a regeneration, a renewal of Albanese’s best qualities….Critics are fond of characterizing voices as wines; were I to resort to that practice, Bastianini’s baritone assuredly would be designated a robust cabernet sauvignon – one of the better vintages, of course.”

- Paul Jackson, SIGN-OFF FOR THE OLD MET, pp.182-83



“Albanese was so closely identified with Puccini heroines and Violetta that it is easy to forget that she performed a wide range of Italian and French roles….Albanese was an emotive, classy artist whose sweet, strong lyric soprano aimed right for one’s heart. Even on recordings this magic comes across.”

- Michael Mark, AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE, Jan./Feb., 2009



"Albanese was born in 1913, made her début at La Scala in 1935, and had a busy European career before coming to the Met in 1940. She took American citizenship in 1945 and made the Met her artistic home until her retirement in 1966….What endeared her to her Met audiences was her absolute sincerity, her complete immersion in her roles. At the gala farewell concert, given to mark the close of the old Met it was Albanese who, after one last ‘Un bel dì’, knelt down and kissed the floor. Coming from her, no one thought the gesture was phony or histrionic."

- Ralph V. Lucano, AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE, July/Aug., 2007