 The production was poorly received, and Verdi, who was depressed and disappointed, described Graziani's singing as "marmoreal" and "monotonous", although most of the blame for the opera's lack of success was reserved for the baritone Felice Varesi, who sang Giorgio Germont.Graziani had not been well — one performance was cancelled because of his indisposition.Later in his career, in other Verdi roles, Graziani was more successful.