Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk - BluRay

ENGLISH

Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (OABD7031D) (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<br /> panoramic opera about love, lust, power and oppression<br /> 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 /> " (Musicweb International)