“Christina Poulitsi’s role debut provided the audience with many goosebumps as well as tears.
She manages to cast a spell over the audience from the very first moment, not just because of her very distinctive appearance, but because she succeeds in making Violetta part of her personality for the duration of the performance and not the other way around.
She is one of those for whom this role seems to have been tailored for right from the start.
At first she flirts with Alfredo, as she does with the others. But then when he leaves in anticipation of the next meeting and she starts her “È strano”, she changes visibly and audibly. She quarrels, she indulges, she hopes.
When old Germont asks her to leave Alfredo, she suffers and fights. When Alfredo almost rapes her, she endures it and, always until the last breath, loves her.
She is a performer of small, intense gestures and large, clear tones. She not only masters the top notes of “Sempre libera degg’io” with ease and precision, but she is also not afraid to cry or scream at notes.
She succeeds almost playfully in combining brilliant technique with emotional authenticity.
The audience thanked her for this performance with emotion, which quickly turned into enthusiastic clapping, whistling and shouting.
Her colleagues who also deserved appreciation were consistently included in the applause ”
Traviata / Staatsoper Hamburg
