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| Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk / Austin Lyric Opera : 4 of 5 | |
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1.08.2006
10:40 PM | Link |
 This was definitely an unusual choice for Austin Lyric Opera, but since this is the 100th anniversary of Shostakovich's birth, there are lots of his works being performed this year. I had no idea what to expect from this opera, but I'm glad to say that I was really surprised (and sometimes shocked)! The music is extremely dramatic and theatrical, with hardly any true arias, and even long sections without vocals that serve as incidental music while action is taking place on stage. The story is full of violence and sex, including two murders (occurring in plain view), a rape, and extended bedroom scenes (the actors definitely had to go far beyond the usual opera activities!). The set design was interesting, using lots of industrial pipes and platforms, with windows and doors being rolled on by members of the chorus as needed. Speaking of the chorus, they were nearly always onstage, and even doubled as furniture! This was supposed to have a kind of oppressed worker significance, but it was a little funny to see people sitting on someone's back for breakfast. The acting was pretty spectacular, from the evil father-in-law to the love-starved, crazy Katerina herself. I was surprised they performed an English translation (I've never seen Austin Lyric Opera do that before), but it certainly didn't detract from the experience. It's great to be introduced to such a riveting work!
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