Verdi: Macbeth. Zeljko Lucic, Anna Netrebko, etc. (Metropolitan Opera). Deutsche Grammophon, 2 DVDs
This 2014 staging revived the 2007 "contemporary'' production with its starkly minimal sets, dark trees suggesting forests and black columns with white neon rims evoking the interiors of the castle.
The same Serbian, baritone Zeljko Lucic, was again cast in the principal role as the gritty but wounded Macbeth and he impresses with his mellow earthy tones.
But the role of the scheming Lady Macbeth (usually played by a mezzo) seemed one to be truly made for Netrebko.
Verdi wrote in a letter that this character should be "ugly and evil'', with a voice of the Devil, "hard, stifled and dark''.
Netrebko displayed a voluptuous but powerful voice with gleaming top notes and her energetic acting certainly is a performance charged with tonnes of necessary evil intent and seductive sexuality.
The challenge suited her better than the bel-canto roles she has formerly been seen in.
The coloratura flourishes were also there.
Her sleepwalking scene in the last act was a triumph with all the haunting quality and intensity required.
The minor characters of Banquo (Rene Pape) and Macduff (Joseph Colleja) and others are also well cast, and as usual the grand Met chorus is absolutely outstanding throughout.
The witches are frumpy vagabonds in wild dress. Fabio Luisi conducts the orchestra in an incisive, rousing way.
The camera work throughout is excellent.
Verdict: A powerful, haunting Macbeth with great music.
