Search - Verdi, Nilsson, Prevedi :: Macbeth (Complete)

Exciting performance of an incomplete version of the opera

Armindo | Greece | 03/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Verdi has written some of his best melodies for all types of voices in Macbeth (especially for the soprano). Even the minor roles, Macduff and Banquo get to sing two truly wonderful arias (Banquo's aria has to be the best bass aria I've ever heard). This recording features Taddei as the evil King. He is one of the finest Macbeths on record. Though not possessing the glorious voice of Cappuccilli (nor the annoying one of Milnes) Taddei uses his fine instrument with great intelligence and creates a most convincing Macbeth. Every phrase is carefully sung and injected with feelings. If anything, this is a Macbeth recording with a superb Macbeth. I am very picky when it comes to the soprano who sings Lady Macbeth. For me she has to be a soprano and has to sound Italian, dark and evil. The role was cut out for Maria Callas, Sylvia Sass and Elena Souliotis. Callas only recorded its arias in studio while the other two recorded the role but both late in their careers. Nilsson's performance, however, was a pleasant surprise! She may not be as dark and evil as I would wish but her powerful dramatic soprano offers many exciting moments. Her Italian opera experiences proved to be a good asset since she rarely sounds unitalian. Some florid passages give her a hard time and she could hold some high notes a bit longer but generally she does a very fine job. In any case I prefer her to the mezzos who rarely thrill being unable to sing a ringing high note. Prevedi is heroic enough for the role of Macduff although the legendary performance of Carreras in this role remains unforgettable. Foiani is a fine, strong Banquo (better than the famous Raimondi for example). Shippers is a great conductor but he has chosen to record a theatrical Macbeth here which means that there are several cuts in the score (mainly choir stuff). Those who wish a complete version of the opera must look elsewhere. On the other hand, this is one of the few Macbeth recordings in which all performers are satisfying, to say the least. The earlier RCA with Rysanek and Warren is another good choice. For the famous Abbado (DG) and Muti (EMI) the weakest links are Verrett and Milnes while for Gardelli (Decca) the fundamentally miscast F-Diskau. Sinopoli (PH) has an OK cast but his conducting is totally unacceptable plus the recording is waaay too expensive."

Nilsson is a definitive Lady Macbeth

10/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of Verdi's brooding tragedy is absolutely essential to any Verdi opera collection. I have heard from many people that the cuts are not to their liking. However, I think that the cuts make Schipper's presentation intensely dramatic, and he cuts straight to the point. I especially liked the thunder and lightning sound effects which proceeded the witches chorus. I could just picture the witches rising out of the foggy mists on some terribly dark and foreboding night. Giuseppe Taddei is my absolute favorite Macbeth. He was born to play the role and I feel that perhaps the only rival he might have is Tito Gobbi. The real reason for my review is the mind boggling performance of Madame Nilsson. Her letter scene and aria sent chills down my spine. Nisson is a no nonsense lady who knows EXACTLY what it is she wants. Her portrayal is cold, calculating, manipulative, cruel and dominating. Her vibrato is almost nonexistent which makes her voice sound like ice cold metal. Her tone is round and her high notes like steel javelins. Many critics have remarked that she is too cold to sound italian, Well I think otherwise. I believe that Nilsson's nordic accent adds such unusual flavor to this role. I really am not all that concerned with the fact that her coloratura is not as on point as in other portrayals. Get it as soon as you can, this recording has been very hard to find!!!!"

Breathtaking

Armindo | 11/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nilsson takes your breath away as Lady Macbeth. Listen to her high D flat sung piannissimo. No screeching, no squally note, no hint of strain - just pure beautiful high D flat."