Verdi: Macbeth (Glyndebourne, 1972)

Cast Kostas Paskalis (Macbeth), Josephine Barstow (Lady Macbeth), James Morris (Banquo), Keith Erwen (Macduff); London Philharmonic Orchestra, John Pritchard (conductor), Michael Hadjimischev (producer), Emanuela Luzzati (designer), Dave Heather (video director) Recorded at Glyndebourne in 1972 Issued on DVD by Arthaus in 2005 [101 095, NTSC {100140, PAL} / all regions, menus in German, French, English, Spanish; subtitles in Italian, German, French, English, Spanish] Technical details Aspect ratio 4:3 Sound PCM Stereo Running Time 126 minutes Sung in Italian

Previously available only on tape, this fine performance is welcome on DVD. Other than simplified staging, it is a traditional production in all respects. Paskalis sings well, presenting a conventionally bland and manipulated Macbeth. Barstow portrays a termagent, a mighty force in every respect; the technical demands are handled with ease, while body language speaks as eloquently as the score. Morris proves an excellent Banquo and if Erwen does little with his aria, he gets it out without coming a cropper.

Pritchard's conducting is solid if a bit indulgent of his singers. The sound is cramped and some additional brilliance would be welcome. The picture has been digitally enhanced, an advantage overall though the resulting hard edges become tedious and there is some ghosting. The depth and breadth of Barstow's performance would alone be enough to recommend this disc highly; with the other performances and the overall quality of the release, it is all but essential.

 

Related website:

Arthaus www.arthaus-musik.com

Michael Richter, 20 July 2005

mrichter@cpl.net

 

See also Michael Richter's Introduction to the DVD, for a list of other reviews see the DVD Project page.