Macbeth, Opera by G. Verdi
William Shakespeare's enduring play of witchcraft, betrayal and lust for power has gripped the imaginations of audiences ever since it was first staged in the early 17th century. Indeed, the work has been adapted many times over the years, notably by Giuseppe Verdi for his four-act opera, first performed on 14 March 1847 at Teatro della Pergola, in Florence. The much-loved music from Verdi's version is rarely performed in a concert format, however. Consequently, this performance at Florence's Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino provides a superb opportunity to enjoy the score in a novel way, with a distinguished cast of vocal artists, including Anna Netrebko and Ludovic Tézier, supported by the theatre's highly respected orchestra and choir.
Macbeth tells the story of a Scottish nobleman who, after a victorious battle, receives a strange prophecy from a chorus of witches he encounters. They tell him that one day he will be king of Scotland but Macbeth claims he remains loyal to King Duncan. When the warrior returns home, his wife learns of the foretelling and encourages him to act. While the King is a guest at his castle home, Macbeth strikes but is seemingly lost by his actions, thereafter, apparently morally consumed by his underhanded tactics. As the story unfolds, Lady Macbeth, although initially strong, becomes increasingly distraught at her husband's erratic behaviour after he is, indeed, made king. With ghostly apparitions and an ever-increasing sense of dread, the plot moves toward a bloody conclusion in which Macbeth must fight for his life to retain the crown.
Verdi was no stranger to Shakespearean themes, having considered adapting several of his plays into operas during his illustrious career. Besides Macbeth, he wrote music for Otello (1887) and Falstaff (1893), both based on works by the great English playwright. The libretto for Macbeth was written by Francesco Maria Piave, the librettist who, among other operas, also worked with Verdi on Ernani (1844), Rigoletto (1851) and La traviata (1853), the last of which is often regarded as one of the composer's greatest works. Verdi's use of arias to convey the characters' psychologies is exceptional in Macbeth. Among the most memorable is Lady Macbeth's Vieni! t'affretta, in which she resolves to drive forward Macbeth's ambition. Mi si affaccia un pugnal? is also haunting, sung as the title character prepares his murderous mission. Then again, Lady Macbeth's eerie sleepwalking scene is accompanied by the unforgettable Una macchia è qui tuttora!, performed as guilt finally overwhelms her.
This performance of Verdi's Macbeth – in concert form, with Anna Netrebko and Ludovic Tézier – brings all the drama of the great opera to the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence.