Macbeth

Verdi's 'Macbeth' from Glyndebourne 1972
There are DVDs or VHSs of three productions of Verdi's 'Macbeth' available and none of them is entirely recommendable. That goes for this production as well, but it does have a lot going for it. The sets, costumes and lighting are excellent, effectively pointing up the darkness of Shakespeare's tragedy. The scenes with the witches are pretty spooky, too. And there is no silly updating of the plot--it takes place in the eleventh century just as it's supposed to. (The version with Thomas Hampson from Zurich is in modern dress and that's pretty distracting.) Musically this production is quite good. John Pritchard leads the London Philharmonic who respond with alert and rich playing. It features some really quite remarkable singing from Kostas Paskalis as Macbeth and the 25-year-old James Morris as Banquo (what a shame he gets killed off in the second act, eh?). Paskalis is not the most skilled actor but he does manage to convey Macbeth's mental torment as the opera proceeds and his...

Superb 'Macbeth' from Glyndebourne
The 1972 'Macbeth' from Glyndebourne is a strong contender among the DVD versions of Verdi's opera. The sets are effective in conveying the bleak desolation of Scotland as Verdi and Shakespeare saw it. Kostas Paskalis sings strongly as Macbeth even if his acting is not of the oscar-winning variety. Josephine Barstow is a ball-breaker of a Lady Macbeth,whom I for one would not fall foul of. Keith Erwen and james Morris fill their roles decently and the singing and orchestral playing cannot be faulted. The Berlin version with Bruson and Zampieri remains my number 1 choice but Glyndebourne is a worthy 2nd choice.

"A -must have- for Verdi's lovers. . ."
This performance was taped live in 1972 at Glydebourne, a mid size theatre. The set is quite intelligent incorporating creative customs for the XI century original history combined with a mysterious stage environment and obscurity atmosphere. In particular the witches scene which is creepy. The sound and picture quality are amazing keeping in mind that this was recorded more than 30 years ago.

John Pritchard conduction is impeccable, printing his signature style with electrifying power and stamina to the partitura and keeping the touch of softness when required taking this Verdi's master piece to an extraordinary level.
The witches and chorus sounds well synchronized projecting the darkness and uncertainty involved in the script.
Kostas Paskalis (R.I.P.) is tremendous as Macbeth, in great shape being in his early 40's, (actually he is 42 in this performance) he delivers passion and commitment in this memorable legacy of his art. His voice in a perfect match for...

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