Verdi - Macbeth (Daniele Callegari) [2009]

The most impressive aspect of this production is the staging and customs. The wide scenario is wonderfully used. In fact is a pleasure (as much as Macbeth can be a pleasure) to watch. The combination of black (darkness) and red (blood) is just perfect. The witches are very well choreographed and Banquo's ghost appearance with the touch of yellow makes a compelling scene. This production allows focusing more on the characters and their humanity (good and bad) rather than the gloom surroundings. It is a timeless staging using modern techniques. It is the best of the production.
As for the signing, they are OK, they act convincingly and the music is well played, but it is not great. In Verdi's Macbeth, Lady Macbeth's role is much more prominent than in Shakespeare's making it almost the center role. Verdi also didn't want Lady Macbeth's voice to be a beautiful one. Still Zhuravel's voice is difficult to listen to, at some points I am not sure that it is her voice or a sound production problem, but it is unpleasant. She is into her character and portrays "evil" almost perfectly.

By A. Lupu "A. Lupu" (Rochester, MN USA)

Performer:
Macbeth - Giuseppe Altomare
Lady Macbeth - Olha Zhuravel
Banco - Pavel Kudinov
Macduff - Rubens Pellizzari
Malcolm - Marco Voleri
FORM - Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana
Coro Lirico Marchigiano ‘V. Bellini’
Conductor - Daniele Callegari
Director, set and costume designer - Pier Luigi Pizzi

VGMDCA