Having recently purchased recordings of what may just be my favorite opera, both of which had inferior Lady Macbeths, it is such a pleasure to hear Christa Ludwig! She out sings many of her soprano rivals in the role. A fine portrayal. Milnes' well sung Macbeth is a known quantity from his studio recording. The often-underrated Carlo Cossutta is a fine Macduff. Ridderbusch is always reliable. Bohm, far from his usual repertoire, paces the score beautifully. Would that the sound recording were a bit better, but I've heard much worse.

Milnes’ Macbeth may be the most thoughtful and defined interpretation among his arsenal of villains or antiheros. Ludwig does not yield her luxuriant seductive tone, insinuating her will and complicity. She caps Act 1 with an exultant Db, but ducks the Db in the Sleepwalking scene. Ridderbusch and Cossutta are colossal in talent and intensity. Bohm drives the music-drama vehemently toward its fated demise. Sound excellent. Performance employs alternate finale “Mal per me”. Cuts include the Prelude, witches’ “Le sorelle vagabonde”, “S’allontallarono” and Ballet.

This is with out doubt the most intense recording of Macbeth I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. There is not a weak voice in the cast. The chorus of witches are spine tingling. Milnes is outstanding in the title role.. Christ Ludwig sings Lady Macbeth with a sweetness that is scary. Having Karl Ridderbusch as Banco makes the big Duet between he and Macbeth in the first act Stunning. Bohm leads an outstanding Vienna orchestra through it all. Don't miss this one if you like big, bold opera SINGING!

I was in that performance in Vienna, so as a recollection I am glad to have it now.