Verdi's Macbeth, Quarantined
The Florentine Opera was due to bring Macbeth to life in Milwaukee at the end of May. For our disappointed audience (and our disappointed staff and singers!), we start this initiative out with a nod to the genius and the bard.
Need to Know
This is grand opera at its best, with powerhouse roles and a big chorus.
Verdi takes Shakespeare to an operatic level with one of the most complex relationships ever to haunt the stage. Consumed by the promise of political power, and propelled by his ambitious wife, Macbeth gets caught in a murderous web to claim the Scottish throne. But instead of great power, blind ambition leads only to madness and destruction.
* Rated PG 13. Some material may not be suitable for children. Violent deaths, including suicide alluded.*
Synopses
Detailed version from the Metropolitan Opera
Detailed version from Opera-arias.com
Enjoy
Cocktail Pairing: Blood on my Hands (a take on the classic Blood and Sand)
This cocktails is a smokey whiskey and citrus drink. See John make it!
Ingredients:
3/4 ounce: Blended Scotch
3/4 ounce: Cherry Herring or Cherry Brandy
3/4 ounce: Sweet Vermouth
3/4 ounce: Orange Juice
1 Maraschino Cherry for Garnish
Optional: Orange peel
Directions:
Place all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake till the drink gets nice and cold. Strain into a small coup or martini glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.
Optional: Flame an orange peel over the drink to get a smokey orange effect.
Dip a Toe:
Exploring Lady Macbeth’s Top Three Moments with WQXR
College seminar style through excerpts from Opera-inside.com
Whole opera:
Zurich Opera House, with Thomas Hampson (2001) - English subtitles
Teatro communale di Bologna, with Leo Nucci (1986)
Teatro communale di Bologna, with Keith Olsen (1995)
Some selections for your enjoyment!
Lady Macbeth Aria sung by Shirley Verrett: “La Luce Langue”
Lady Macbeth Aria sung by Shirley Verrett: “Una maccia è qui tuttora!”
Macbeth Aria sung by Sherrill Milness: “Pietà, rispetto, amore”
Macbeth Chorus sung by the Metropolitan Opera: “Act I Finale”
Macbeth Chorus sung by Minnesota Opera: “Witches Chorus”
Macbeth Chorus sung by the Metropolitan Opera: “Patria oppressa”
Enjoy More
Fun fact: Aria Notes designed a perfume inspired by the Florentine Production. You can even SMELL opera if you choose! #moreismore
Did you know it’s bad luck to say “Macbeth” in a theater? Hmm. Explore that history with this Royal Shakespeare Company explanation.
The Opera without a Love Affair! , a scholarly exploration of Macbeth’s evolution
10 Things You Might Not Know about Macbeth from the Royal Opera House
Verdi’s Macbeth - A Complete Guide from Gramophone - comprehensive, with recording recommendations