Verdi's opera Macbeth is based on Shakespeare's play about the Scottish general Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth's quest for power. Prompted by prophecies from witches and encouraged by his ambitious wife, Macbeth murders the king to claim the throne for himself. The opera depicts Macbeth's bloody and crazed rise to power through murder and deceit, as well as his eventual madness and downfall, in a dark and ominous journey. The Seattle Opera will premiere a new production of this intense and gruesome drama in May, highlighting the psychological story of absolute power corrupting absolutely.

1. Photo courtesy of Seattle Opera © Rozarii Lynch photo.
Turbulent 19th centur y Italy is the
stage for Shakespeare’s tortured
tale of one man’s self-destruction
in his mad quest for power.
] Macbeth, the last of William Shakespeare’s four great tragedies
(Hamlet, King Lear and Othello were the other three) finds new
featuring
vibrancy in Giuseppe Verdi’s stirring opera set during the Italian
“radiant high
notes, blazing Risorgimento period that culminated in the unification of Italy.
coloratura facility,
This is an intense, masterful piece of musical drama that unlike
subtle dynamic
shadings, & grand many operas, does not center around a love story. Instead, you
musical style”
] are taken on a dark, ominous journey and follow Macbeth in his
OPERA M AGAZINE
Brenda Harris bloody and crazed rise to power. Emboldened by the prophecies
LADY MACBETH
of a trio of witches, and encouraged by his wife, Lady Macbeth,
“…tall, dark &
Macbeth sets upon claiming his destiny by murder and deceit.
handsome; his
Violent and often gruesome, with blood flowing from the castle
posture is arrogant
& his manner
ramparts, Macbeth is only for the strong-of-heart. But view and
quite dazzling.”
] hear Macbeth in all of its expressive grandeur, and you will
THE MELBOURNE TIMES
Louis Otey be treated to one of the greatest dramas and psychological
MACBETH
stories ever set to opera. You will leave understanding that,
madness
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This breathtaking new
ry
production will be unveiled in May when the Seattle Opera
ambition
“an outstanding
presents the premiere. Our performance is also co-produced
performance.”
] with the Seattle Opera. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Macbeth
OPERA NEWS
Lori Phillips
LADY MACBETH
Macbeth]
Opening Night
Sponsored by
TUC OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2006
by Giuseppe Verdi
PHX OCTOBER 12, 13, 14 & 15, 2006
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