Although it is true that Astrid Varnay did not veer that often from the German repertoire, this performance of Macbeth will disabuse you of any notion that that was due to any lack of ability. From her opening aria she commands the role of Lady Macbeth with the same brand of malevolence that made her so compelling as Klytämnestra and Herodias. What was particularly surprising to me was the accuracy and speed of her coloratura. The rest of the cast is decent. Ivan Petroff is slightly unremarkable as Macbeth. It's okay though because Varnay owns the night.