Live performance,Tokyo, September 18, 1973. La traviata is among the most popular operas ever written. Today it is probably the most frequently performed of all 28 operas by Verdi. Based on one of the greatest love stories — La Dame aux Camélias, by Alexander Dumas, Jr., usually called in English simply Camille. Digitally remastered and beautifully packaged with full, newly translated libretto. Renata Scotto, one of the great dramatic sopranos of the past generation, made her debut in this very role at age 18. This performance showcases both the beauty of her voice and her intense identification with the character. José Carreras is heard here at his youthful best, when many considered his to be the most beautiful tenor voice in the world. Baritone Sesto Bruscantini was called by the New Grove Dictionary of Opera “one of the finest Italian singers of the second half of [the 20th] century.” His repertoire encompassed over 130 roles and the elder Germont in Traviata was among his very best.