大象传媒

Shostakovich's Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk is one of the operatic masterpieces of the twentieth century and was highly praised at its 1934 premiere. Stalin, however, found the opera highly objectional, when he saw it in 1936, and subsequently banned it.

In four acts, the opera is based on the startling novella of the same name by the idiosyncratic Russian novelist and short-story writer Nikolai Leskov. Although it departs slightly from its original literary context, it tells the tragic tale of Katerina, a bored and lonely heroine who falls in love with one of her husband's workers, the manipulative Sergey. Their treachery leads to a gruesome series of murders and ultimately to her own devastating end.

In grappling with the subordinate role expected of women in 19th century society, adultery and pre-meditated murder, there are echoes in both Leskov and Shostakovich of Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth.

Recommended Recording:

Chorus of Netherlands Opera and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra;
Mariss Jansons (conductor)
Opus Arte OA0965D (DVD)
Opus Arte OABD7031D (Blu-ray)

Other Recommended Recordings:

Below are other recordings that Marina also liked, although we can鈥檛 guarantee availability.

London Philharmonic Orchestra and Ambrosian Opera Chorus;
Mstislav Rostropovich (conductor)
Warner Classics 9668382 (2 CDs)

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