Macbeth
By Giuseppe Verdi
The Opera
Macbeth is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi, with an Italian libretto by Francesco Piave, based on the dark Shakespeare's play of the same name.
It was Verdi's tenth opera. Written after the success of Attila in 1846, it was before the great successes of the early 1850's, "Rigoletto", "Il Trovatore" and "La Traviata" – three operas which made Verdi world famous.
Shakespeare's plays provided Verdi with lifelong sources of inspiration including his two final operas, "Otello" and "Falstaff" which was based on "The Merry Wives of Windsor".
Macbeth was very successful and it was presented widely. So pleased with his work was Verdi, he said to his father in law and long-time supporter: "I have long intended to dedicate an opera to you.
Now, I send you Macbeth which I prize above all my other operas, and therefore deem a worthier present to you".
Macbeth enjoys continuing popularity today and it is widely accepted as part of the basic repertoire of most opera companies.
Some famous singers who have enjoyed great success in this opera include Leonie Rysanek, Renata Bruson, Leonard Warren, Piero Capuccilli, Leo Nucci and Shirley Verrett.
More information on the Opera Arts Macbeth Poster here.
