Gramophone Magazine
February 2019
Blu-ray Choice

Christopher Maltman (Wozzeck), Eva-Maria Westbroek (Marie), Frank van Aken (Drum Major), Sir Willard White (Doctor)

Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Chorus of Dutch National Opera, New Amsterdam Children's Choir,

Marc Albrecht (conductor) & Krzysztof Warlikowski (director)

Based on real events and drawing on Georg Büchner's revolutionary play, Alban Berg's Wozzeck turns a grimly tragic narrative of violence and murder into one of the most powerful and original operas of the 20th century. Berg's uncompromising portrayal of brutality and madness generated much controversy, but the significance of Wozzeck was soon recognised; its compelling lyrical expansiveness, large-scale dramatic gestures and remarkable musical structures producing music of overwhelming emotional intensity. The Financial Times declared this to be 'a beautiful, moving, engrossing production… this is a consummate Wozzeck, blending clarity, lyricism, compassion and crushing force.'

"Maltman and Westbroek have both found hugely rewarding roles for their talents, and Marc Albrecht conducts with a blend of precision balanced with an almost bel canto grace." - Opera Now, January 2019.