Opera lovers who have always felt that Anna Netrebko is not just an excellent singer, but a great one, have no doubt about it after this Metropolitan Opera performance. To have a "great night at the opera" all efforts must succeed - orchestra, singers and concept. Here, conductor Fabio Luisi shapes an intensive Verdian sound and the singers are nothing short of possessed. Excellent German bass René Pape in a small role of Banquo is luxury casting which few opera houses can afford. Joseph Calleja's golden tenor in a role of Macduff shone and rang among dark and menacing voices of his colleagues. And the principals, Zeljko Lucic and Anna Netrebko, gave us truly historical performance. Brilliant, nuanced and powerful singing from these two and the chemistry, interaction between them is what elevates this performance to the stratosphere of operatic Macbeths.
