11 Nov 2007

Dallas Opera's 'Macbeth' makes for a distracting season opener

By SCOTT CANTRELL [Dallas Morning News, 10 November 2007] It would be a pleasure to report that the Dallas Opera has begun its second half-century with a triumph, but, well, ahem, shuffle, mumble ... The production of Verdi's Macbeth that...

Gazale.pngBy SCOTT CANTRELL [Dallas Morning News, 10 November 2007]

It would be a pleasure to report that the Dallas Opera has begun its second half-century with a triumph, but, well, ahem, shuffle, mumble ...

The production of Verdi's Macbeth that opened Friday night at Fair Park Music Hall does have its assets. Chief among them is the playing of the orchestra under music director Graeme Jenkins, who has a visceral connection to the score and the skills to bring it to life. From snarling brass and screeching winds to delicate wisps and shivers of muted strings, the sounds from the pit are fine-tuned and generously expressive – and, where appropriate, hair-raising.