Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk - DVD

ENGLISH

Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (OA0965D) (2006)<br /> <br /> Eva-Maria Westbroek (Katerina Lvovna Ismailova); Christopher Ventris (Sergey); Carole Wilson (Aksinya); Vladimir Vaneev (Boris Timofeyevich Ismailov); Lani Poulson (Sonyetka); Ludovít Ludha (Zinovy Borisovich Ismailov); Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra; Mariss Jansons<br /> <br /> Shostakovich’s musically brilliant and ingeniously panoramic opera about love, lust, power and oppression is fabulously well played by the Concertgebouw Orchestra under Mariss Jansons in this authoritative production. Stage director Martin Kusej builds on formidable musical strengths to forge a relentless drama that explores with emotional conviction the shadowy, layered boundaries between victims and perpetrators. First-rate protagonist Eva-Maria Westbroek is phenomenal in her gripping interpretation of Katarina, compelling the entire cast, including the choir, to almost unbearable realism in their portrayal of timeless human weaknesses.<br /> <br /> "...a first-rate protagonist in Eva-Maria Westbroek, a Katerina of Jean Harlow-like allure, who had all the vocal power and stamina that the role demands…" (The Financial Times)<br /> <br /> "Mariss Jansons, an inspired interpreter of Shostakovich, conducts a searingly dramatic performance of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk...with the glorious sounds of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra bringing beauty as well as power. The casting is strong, with Eva-Maria Westbroek in the title-role bringing out the poignancy of her situation, as her love for the workman, Sergei, turns sour and finally tragic, a role well sung and acted by Christopher Ventris." (The Penguin Guide)<br /> <br /> "This is a wonderful production. It goes right to the spirit of the opera without dishonesty and pretence. After all it’s hypocrisy that created the situation in the first place.<br /> <br /> " (Musicweb International)