In Shostakovich’s opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, the tedium of everyday Russian life determines the fate of protagonist Katerina Ismailova. It is a story that highlights the irrepressible nature of sexual urges, and erotic deeds of violence and liberation. The opera’s initial success was silenced by its denunciation in the Communist Party’s Pravda newspaper, heralding a merciless, widespread and long-lasting idealistic clampdown on the Soviet music world. Reiner Moritz highlights the tragic story of Shostakovich’s second opera, based on Martin Kušej’s bold production for the Dutch National Opera.

Available through May 31, 2021.