BaL 25.04.15 - Verdi: Macbeth

[verismissimo]

So it's Muti with Cossotto. Muti certainly fab, but Cossotto... not as good as Verrett IMO.

[slarty]

I have to agree Verismissimo, Cossotto is not in the same league as Verrett. Also the final example of Cossotto played today was the least recommendable part as she was singing just under the note for part of the time and that does not stand for repeated listening.
I'm glad that he played some of the 1952 Sabata for Callas. I'm afraid we have to blame Walter Legge for not pushing for a Macbeth in 1958 with Callas, he did not think it would be commercial, one of his rare mistakes.

[BBMmk2]

I quite enjoyed this BaL. The final choice was nearly a draw between Pappano and Abbado. I'll be getting both and Muti too!

[teamsaint]

I quite enjoyed this BaL. The final choice was nearly a draw between Pappano and Abbado. I'll be getting both and Muti too!

The Muti is in that big 35 cd box, BBM, so might be worth holding on till that drops in price. It quite often comes down to under £20.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Verdi-Great-Operas-Roberto-Alagna/dp/B00A4AI17A/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1429957347&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Versdi+box+set

I got it for about £11

[Lento]

Memorable quote: "'Carry-on Up the Cauldron' spectacular". cf "manic Hungarian elephant dance" (Richard Morrison on Solti's Elgar 2 Scherzo, a few weeks ago). Also: "brave attempt" re one of the Verdi singers: AB examiners and local arts festival adjudicators take note.

The Muti is on Spotify.

[BBMmk2]

The Muti is in that big 35 cd box, BBM, so might be worth holding on till that drops in price. It quite often comes down to under £20.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Verdi-Great-Operas-Roberto-Alagna/dp/B00A4AI17A/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1429957347&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Versdi+box+set

I got it for about £11

Thanks, ts, in that case it be Abbado and Pappano for me!

[visualnickmos]

Well, this BaL thread has REALLY taken off!

I suppose it's because we've all been brought up with "Muti knows best"

[Beef Oven!]

What was the recommendation?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

What was the recommendation?

Sherrill Milnes (Macbeth), Fiorenza Cossotto (Lady Macbeth), Jose Carreras (Macduff), Ruggero Raimondi (Banco), Giuliano Bernardi (Malcolm), Maria Borgato (Dama), Carlo Del Bosco (Medico), Ambrosian Opera Chorus, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Riccardo Muti (conductor)

[slarty]

I saw Muti conduct this at La Scala and loved his interpretation, I just wish the Lady in his recording was someone else. Otherwise It would get a 100% rating from me.
I also remember his Macbeth from Covent Garden in 1981, Renata Scotto!!!! and Bruson. Thankfully issued on a pirate recording.

[BBMmk2]

I saw Muti conduct this at La Scala and loved his interpretation, I just wish the Lady in his recording was someone else. Otherwise It would get a 100% rating from me.
I also remember his Macbeth from Covent Garden in 1981, Renata Scotto!!!! and Bruson. Thankfully issued on a pirate recording.

Muti is one of the very few conductors around, that can really pull off a good performance of Scriabin's work.

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

I wonder why Macbeth was chosen as the subject for this BaL. For the past 30-40 years, it's always come down to a straight choice between the Abbado and Muti recordings (quite rightly... they're both superb) so until such time as a new CD release comes along which seriously challenges them, there's not a lot of point in another one.

I also wonder how closely the script was edited. Lady Macbeth a mezzo? I know several mezzos have taken on the role, but Verdi wrote it for a soprano...

[Barbirollians]

I wonder why Macbeth was chosen as the subject for this BaL. For the past 30-40 years, it's always come down to a straight choice between the Abbado and Muti recordings (quite rightly... they're both superb) so until such time as a new CD release comes along which seriously challenges them, there's not a lot of point in another one.

I also wonder how closely the script was edited. Lady Macbeth a mezzo? I know several mezzos have taken on the role, but Verdi wrote it for a soprano...

Roger Parker was spot on about Callas though shivers down the spine stuff . I have the Abbado and the Callas and the Muti in that big Verdi box although I have not heard it yet so no need for another .

[Flosshilde]

I've been listening to the recording I have (Nucci & Verrett, cond. Chailly) & been reminded of how disappointing I find the work (I've seen it live, so it's not just the recording). It's not as thrilling & menacing as it could have been if he'd written it later in his career; too many rumty-tumty choruses (especially the final one - really spoils the atmosphere) & conventional arias etc. I'm afraid that it just doesn't do justice to the play (unlike Otello, I think).

[Barbirollians]

Then again I have always thought Othello a much better play than Macbeth too .