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Shostakovich’s musically brilliant and ingeniously panoramic opera about love, lust, power and oppression is fabulously performed by the Concertgebouw Orchestra under Mariss Jansons in this authoritative production. Stage director Martin Kušej builds on formidable musical strengths to forge a relentless drama that explores with emotional conviction the shadowy, layered boundaries between victims and perpetrators. First-rate protagonist Eva-Maria Westbroek is phenomenal in her gripping interpretation of Katarina, compelling the entire cast, including the choir, to almost unbearable realism in their portrayal of timeless human weaknesses.
Katerina Lvovna Ismailova: Eva-Maria Westbroek
Sergey: Christopher Ventris
Aksinya: Carole Wilson
Boris Timofeyevich Ismailov: Vladimir Vaneev
Sonyetka: Lani Poulson
Zinovy Borisovich Ismailov: LudovÃt Ludha
Shabby Peasant: Alexandre Kravets
Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Musical Director: Mariss Jansons
Stage Director: Martin Kušej
Recorded live in Het Muziektheater, Amsterdam, on 25th & 28th June 2006.
Reviews
‘With one of the finest orchestras in the world conducted by an eminent Shostakovich conductor, supported by superb soloists and a very tasteful stage setting… [Eva-Maria Westbroek’s] portrayal of the heroine is absolutely superb…the passions and emotions raised by the composer are superbly realised… The soloists and chorus are all superb.’ Music Web International
