Search - Piero Cappuccilli, Giuseppe Verdi, Ettore Gracis :: Verdi: Macbeth (Highlights)

Unexpectedly thrilling performance!

09/15/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had not heard of this recording of Macbeth before and was surprised how committed and vivid the performances all are. Sylvia Sass in particular makes a striking Lady -- really demented, but moving in her final, strange sleepwalking aria. Her voice is weirdly beautiful, at times frayed, sometimes threatening, and still others vulnerable, soft. Cappuccilli has never been better. Beautifully conducted by Gardelli and crystal clear sound."

Poor selection of highlights

Anton Smit | Italy | 10/18/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Surely, if one is making a selection of highlights from Macbeth, especially if the recording includes the controversial Sylvia Sass, it goes without saying that the sleepwalking scene should be included. Yet this recording omits it! Instead one in treated to nearly half an hour of purely orchestral music (overture, the dance of the witches, etc etc), with minimal exposure to Sass, Cappuccilli and Christoff. The bits that are there, are good, but the interminable filling-in music makes this a very disappointing CD.
The other recording of highlights where Sass also sings the part of Lady Macbeth, conducted by Previtali, is a far better buy."