The warrior Macbeth fights on the side of the King of Scotland – but when a coven of witches prophesy that he shall become king himself, a ruthless ambition drives Macbeth and his wife to horrific acts.
A scene from Macbeth at Royal Opera House Covent Garden Photo: Bill Cooper, ROH
Sunday 7 October at 6.00pm on RNZ Concert
Verdi’s life-long love affair with Shakespeare’s works began with Macbeth, a play he considered to be ‘one of the greatest creations of man’.
With his librettist Francesco Maria Piave Verdi set out to create ‘something out of the ordinary’.
A scene from Macbeth at Royal Opera House Covent Garden Photo: Bill Cooper, ROH
Murder makes Macbeth king, and intrigue and butchery are the hallmarks of his brief, doomed reign.
The witches make another prediction, which also comes true: Macbeth and his lady lose their lives, and justice is restored.
Cast:
Macbeth....................... Željko Lucic
Lady Macbeth............. Anna Netrebko
Banco........................... Ildebrando D'Arcangelo
Duncan........................ John O’Toole
Malcolm...................... Konu Kim
Macduff....................... Yusif Eyvazov
Chorus & Orchestra of Royal Opera House Covent Garden/Antonio Pappano
Recorded Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London (BBC/WFMT)
