The best recordings of Maria Ewing
Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande
Vienna Philharmonic/Claudio Abbado
DG 435 3442
There is a certain grit to Maria Ewing's representation of Mélisande in this performance, with the character given new meaning through Ewing's interpretation and nuances. She sings the role alongside François Le Roux as Pelléas, whose performance is considered and refined.
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House/Edward Downes
Opus Arte OAR3108D
Directed by Ewing's husband Peter Hall, it was this production of Salome that first launched the American soprano onto the British stage. She gave one of the most notorious performances of Strauss's infamous 'Dance of the Seven Veils', performing it in the nude. Hall's staging showed Ewing at her most elegant and glamorous.
This film is available to watch on Medici TV.
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein
DG 00044007341353
Singing the mezzo-soprano role alongside soprano Marie Mclaughlin here, Ewing balances her tone superbly in this traditional reading of Mozart's Requiem.
This is also available in DVD format, in a TV special directed by Humphrey Burton.
Shostakovich's Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
London Philharmonic Orchestra & Ambrosian Opera Chorus/Mstislav Rostropovich
Warner Classics 9668382
Maria Ewing plays the role of Katerina in this historic recording with Galina Vishnevskaya in the title role. Ewing's acting capabilities are on full display here in this hugely expressive performance.
