This is a rare live recording of Verdi's La Traviata, captured on 5 May 1967 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in London. Conducted by the legendary Carlo Maria Giulini and starring the exquisite soprano Mirella Freni as Violetta, this performance represents a jewel of operatic history — one of the most celebrated interpretations of this beloved work from the golden age of live opera recording.
Released in 1989 by the Italian label Frequenz as part of their Le Grandi Opere Liriche (The Great Lyric Works) series, this 2-CD set brings an unforgettable night at the Royal Opera House into your home. The supporting cast — Renato Cioni as Alfredo and Piero Cappuccilli as Giorgio Germont — are world-class singers, and the orchestra and chorus of Covent Garden provide authentic period-correct accompaniment. This is essential listening for serious opera collectors, Verdi enthusiasts, and anyone who treasures live operatic performance.
Every item in this listing is photographed individually. The gallery above shows the exact 2-CD set you will receive: the purple Frequenz fatbox case front and back, the cream inlay booklet, both CDs with their silver and magenta labels, and a detail view showing the crack on the back of the case mentioned in the condition report below. Please examine all four photos carefully to see the item's condition for yourself.
| Composer | Giuseppe Verdi |
| Opera | La Traviata |
| Recorded | 5 May 1967, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London |
| Conductor | Carlo Maria Giulini |
| Soprano (Violetta Valéry) | Mirella Freni |
| Tenor (Alfredo Germont) | Renato Cioni |
| Baritone (Giorgio Germont) | Piero Cappuccilli |
| Mezzo-soprano (Flora Bervoix) | Ann Howells |
| Orchestra & Chorus | Royal Opera House, Covent Garden |
| Label | Frequenz |
| Catalogue Number | 043-006 |
| Series | Le Grandi Opere Liriche |
| Release Year | 1989 |
| Format | 2 × CD, Stereo |
| Case Type | Double Jewel Case (Fatbox) |
| Audio Quality | Stereo |
| Country of Manufacture | Italy |
| Genre | Opera · Classical |
| EAN | 8003278430069 |
| Recording Type | Live Performance |
Used – Good. This vintage 1989 release is in very playable condition. Both CDs are in excellent condition with clean, scratch-free playing surfaces and clear label printing. The original cream inlay booklet is present and in good condition with no markings or damage noted. The double fatbox jewel case is functional with working hinges, and both discs sit securely within. Please note: as clearly visible in the photo gallery, there is a visible crack running across the back of the plastic case. This is a cosmetic flaw only and does not affect the structural integrity of the case or the protection of the discs during storage or transit. The front cover artwork remains vibrant and the overall presentation is very respectable for a 35-year-old set. This is a solid, reliable copy suitable for both listening and display.
Shipped promptly from the UK with FREE UK postage; carefully protected in transit with bubble wrap and padded packaging; dispatched within one working day of cleared payment. International buyers welcome via eBay's Global Shipping Programme — international postage costs and any applicable import duties or taxes are calculated automatically at checkout.
Questions? We're happy to help — send a message and we'll reply promptly. If you'd like additional photos of the discs, the booklet interior, or a closer look at any aspect of this set, just ask. We want you to buy with complete confidence.