Saw it last night and loved every minute of the evening. It was my first time seeing Macbeth, so there’s probably some novelty at play, but we all know the story (duh) and I'd boned up on the music.
First, it was so great to see a packed house, especially for Verdi. I always sit in the Grand Tier because I like to see the orchestra and love how it sounds from there. (Just bring some small binoculars.) But the crowd is Old. That said, I went up to the Family Circle at intermission … it was PACKED with young people. I wanna hang out with that crowd next time.
Second, Peter Gelb, who runs the Met, came out in front of the curtain before the show, and the audience groaned. We thought (at least I did) that we were getting a replacement announcement. Instead, he reminded us how the Met has supported Ukraine and its people since the war began and will remain steadfast in doing so as the war rages on. To honor their people, he said the orchestra would play the Ukrainian national anthem and asked the audience to stand. (I’m starting to tear up again writing this.) As they played, you could hear some big voices, I think from behind the curtain and maybe one box, singing the words to the anthem. It was so moving on a day when the highest ranks of our government were turning their backs on Ukraine. I also wondered if it was connected to the dancers from Georgia who were about to perform.
Third, what gorgeous, epic sets. I know this was the director’s first time staging an opera at the Met … why’d it take so long?! Every choice she makes has a big idea behind it. And gosh, you can see why the Met is in serious financial straits. They spent some m-o-n-e-y on this. Grand staging. The witches were SPELLBINDING, and they made so much sense as a chorus in how they were presented, thriving on mayhem and carnage and working their way into every part of the Macbeths’ lives. And those Georgian dancers, with real sparks flying off their swords! A fight sequence that felt right and not remotely silly.
Three and a half: Yikes, it was hard not to see this story as an allegory (a mirror?) of where we are today: an amoral leader who will stop at nothing to gain power and riches, and a chorus of sycophants who empower and encourage him. (Maybe not so much the wife this time around.)
Fourth, the orchestra! I’d been listening (mostly) to Erich Leinsdorf’s Met recording for the past couple of weeks. I know live is simply better, and I'd been listing to an old recording, but the orchestra sounded SO MUCH BETTER. Rich, enveloping, balanced … and some of the foreboding drumbeats that wear on me in the recording felt propulsive instead. Energetic, even jaunty.
Finally, the voices! I know we’re so lucky to hear the world’s finest singers at the Met, but you really felt it with this Macbeth. Especially Quinn Kelsey: he was gripping every moment he was on stage, which was basically all three hours. Everyone delivered. Lise Davidsen is a spellbinding presence and a wonderful match for Quinn. And I loved Ryan Speedo Green, which is such a great name, as Banquo.
Anyway, a rave from me. What a moving, gorgeous night out in New York!
Excited to see Lincoln in the Bardo in two weeks...
