Description

Verdi – Macbeth (Vienna State Opera, 1943 Live Recording)

UPC: M10 47469 004

Product Details:

Label: Мелодия (Melodiya – Ministry of Culture USSR)
Format: 2x Vinyl LP, Box Set, Archival Recording
Country: USSR
Release Year: 1986
Recording Date: 1943 (Live performance)
Language: German
Series: Performing Art / Исполнительское искусство
Total Duration: Approx. 118 minutes
Libretto: F. M. Piave and G. Maffei, based on the tragedy by William Shakespeare
German Adaptation: G. Göhler

Overview

Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic adaptation of Macbeth—based on Shakespeare’s chilling tale of ambition and downfall—comes vividly to life in this historic 1943 live performance at the Vienna State Opera. Conducted by the legendary Karl Böhm, the production features powerful interpretations by Mathieu Ahlersmeyer (Macbeth), Elisabeth Höngen (Lady Macbeth), and Herbert Alsen (Banquo). Originally recorded during wartime and later restored for Melodiya’s Performing Art series, this double-LP set presents a rare glimpse into mid-century operatic excellence, with the drama intensified by the raw immediacy of a live performance.

Product Features

Complete live performance of Verdi’s Macbeth in German
Archival 1943 recording restored and remastered by Melodiya in 1986
Features leading soloists of the Vienna State Opera during WWII
Conducted by renowned maestro Karl Böhm
Includes somnambulism scene, witches’ chorus, and Macbeth’s death scene
Issued as part of Melodiya’s heritage Performing Art series
Rich liner notes with credits and historical information
Beautifully packaged with artwork by B. Stolyarov

Track Highlights (Select Scenes)

Introductory Chorus (Act I, Scene 1)
Cavatina of Lady Macbeth – "Vieni! t’affretta!"
Finale I: Sextet and Chorus (Macduff, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Malcolm, etc.)
Witches' Chorus (Act III)
Great Somnambulism Scene – Lady Macbeth’s mad scene
Macbeth’s Aria and Death Scene
Finale Victory Chorus (Malcolm, Macduff, Chorus)

Principal Cast

Macbeth – Mathieu Ahlersmeyer (baritone)
Lady Macbeth – Elisabeth Höngen (mezzo-soprano)
Banquo – Herbert Alsen (bass)
Macduff – Erich Witte (tenor)
Lady-in-Waiting – Elisabeth Böttcher (mezzo-soprano)
Physician – Viktor Madin (bass)
Additional roles: Malcolm, Servant, Ghosts, Assassins – Vienna State Opera soloists
Chorus and Orchestra – Vienna State Opera
Conductor – Karl Böhm
Restoration – T. Badeyan
Editor – P. Grünberg
Cover Design – B. Stolyarov