Willy Decker's controversial production features stark sets on a curved white stage, spare furnishings, and an overlay of symbolic devices: the figure of Death stalks Violetta in every act, a huge clock shows her time running out and becomes a focus for stage action, even turning into Act II's card table. The singers run, dance, and spend a lot of time on their knees or backs. Color schemes bathe Violetta's courtesan period in bold red, her idyll with Alfredo in flower prints. And there's more along those lines. Even those who usually prefer more conservative productions should find Willy Decker's staging absolutely riveting. Much of the action goes on inside the characters' heads, making this superficially extrovert opera an interior drama that sheds new light on its possibilities. Love or hate the production, you won't want to miss this Traviata for the leads and for staging that must be taken seriously. A bonus disc includes an interesting rehearsal. --Dan Davis