Shostakovich: “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk.” Galina Vishnevskaya,...

Shostakovich: “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk.” Galina Vishnevskaya, Nicolai Gedda, Werner Krenn, Dimiter Petkov; Ambrosian Opera Chorus; London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mstislav Rostropovich. Angel CDCB-49955 (two compact discs). The compact disc remastering of this ferocious, anti-authoritarian masterpiece of Soviet music theater restores Shostakovich’s original 1934 opera, before official censure forced him to produce the defanged rewrite, “Katerina Ismailova.” The 1979 performance remains a sonic and interpretive milestone. Vishnevskaya’s soprano curdles frequently, but her totally committed homicidal heroine evokes both terror and pity. The remainder of the cast seems inspired by Rostropovich’s impassioned leadership.