Verdi, is this a dagger which I see before me?
A 1979 BBC rendition of Verdi's Macbeth, starring Peter Glossop, Rita Hunter and supported by the BBC Concert Orchestra
Composer: Verdi
Repertoire: Macbeth
Artists: Glossop, Hunter, BBC Concert Orch/Matheson
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Opera
Label: Opera Rara ORCV301
The earlier version of Macbeth (1847) contains much fine music even if the climactic moments are weaker than the 1865 revision. Lady Macbeth gets more coloratura fireworks, the role of Macbeth lies higher, and the famous Patria oppressa chorus is set differently. This 1979 BBC recording shows it to be a more consistent work. Rita Hunter is a powerful Lady Macbeth, Peter Glossop an anguished Macbeth, and Matheson’s conducting polished and flexible.