MacBeth

This is a very dynamic performance of Verdi's early opera based on Shakespeare's play Macbeth. I'd say Kostas Paskalis's performance as the bloody king is absolutely definitive. You won't find a better performance of this role, better even than Simon Keenlyside's more recent Macbeth from Covent Garden.. His voice is rich, sounding somewhat like the Italian baritones Bastianini or Zancanaro, plus his acting brings such specific and intense emotions to the role he carries the opera and gives life to the story. His final aria "pieta, rispetto, amore" is an epiphany, sung while seated in a chair like a man aware that he's facing eminent death. The audience rightly gives him the biggest ovation of the evening. Any baritone studying this role should see this. Also, soprano Josephine Barstow gives a towering performance. Her acting is all into the role of the ambitious and ruthless queen; her voice sounding powerful and her sleepwalking scene embodying a deranged mind twisted with guilt. The young bass James Morris is also quite good as Banquo not yet sounding quite like the Wotan he would become. Tenor Keith Erwen is excellent. Costumes look a bit dated in their monochromatic colors and patterned material. Sets are simple yet appropriate. Pritchard's conducting is first-rate.

This seems to be a DVD of a Glyndebourne production of Verdi's Macbeth - but the reviews all seem to refer to a Liceu (Barcelona) production with a different cast. This is just an observation - I have not seen the DVD of either production. my rating is made simply because I have to check one of the stars.

Bought to replace my old VHS tape, this is one of my favourites; Josephine Barstow is magnificent as a truly evil Lady Macbeth.N.B. A number of negative reviews left here refer to an entirely DIFFERENT PRODUCTION!!

Josephine Barstow as Lady Macbeth is at her most wonderful in a superbly costumed production

Absolutely wonderful especially Josephine Barstow at her absolute best in this role. Fabulous singing. BUY IT