Verdi: Macbeth [DVD] [1972] [Region 0] [NTSC] [2005]

Of all the Macbeth's I've seen I think Kostos Paskalis's is the most convincing performance (although Thomas Hampson's a close second). Paskalis sings well throughout but it is his delivery of Macbeth's final aria which steals it for me; we see a man who regretting what he has done, without self pity realises that he has lost everything and has never been in control of his own destiny. Added to this you get Josephine Bairstow who is a stunning Lady Macbeth, James Morris as Banquo and the rest of the Glyndebourne cast putting in a spirited performance. It is a great combination.

Its ok

excellent DVD really enjoyed this having seen it on VHS some years ago Paskalis great,Barstow out shines Zampia by miles

Great

I wanted a Dvd recording of Macbeth to learn the work before seeing it at the Royal Opera House.Not too many recordings available.I chose the 1972 Glyndebourne version which does seem rather steep in price given its age.Upon first viewing it does seem dated.Picture quality is undersandably not what we are used to and the sound is not perfect but passable.However,once you are drawn into the action these minor niggles disappear and it becomes an enjoyable production.The main recommendation for it's purchase however is the performance of Josephine Barstow as Lady Macbeth.With a magnificent voice,superb acting and sheer stage presence this disc is worth buying for her performance alone.I am filled with regret that I have missed the opportunity of seeing Josephine Barstow in her prime but thankfully we have her here for posterity.Buy this Dvd.

This is a review of Macbeth from Glyndebourne filmed in 1972. The quality of the image is surprisingly good, considering its age; and the sound, though not perfect, is adequate. The wonder is Josephine Barstow, a toothy lanky and desirable Lady Macbeth with a deceptively innocent smile, sinister and sensual at the same time. When in the banquet scene and the hand washing scene the smile is wiped off her face the effect is most powerful. Kostos Paskalis is superb as Macbeth. The costumes are a foreboding grey, the witches clad in rags and quite electrifying, and Banquo's murderers the stuff of nightmares. An inspired production.