Macbeth

opera by Verdi

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July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Giuseppe Verdi's opera Macbeth (1847) is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play. Verdi recognized that Lady Macbeth's soliloquies were well-suited for operatic solos, instructing that she should "not sing at all" but rather convey the character's intensity through dramatic expression. The opera reflects the political climate of Verdi's Italy, with the usurpers' tyranny mirroring the struggle for Italian unity.1

The opera follows the tragic arc of Macbeth, a Scottish general who, spurred by prophecies and his wife's ambition, murders King Duncan to seize the throne. His reign is marked by tyranny and paranoia, leading to further murders, including that of Banquo. Macbeth's downfall is sealed by prophecies that offer a false sense of security, ultimately leading to his death at the hands of Macduff. The opera is known for its prominent soprano role, particularly for Lady Macbeth, and its dramatic intensity.231

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Giuseppe Verdi
Early career
Only with Macbeth (1847), however, was Verdi inspired to fashion an opera that is as gripping as it is original and, in many ways, independent of tradition. Just as the biblical theme had contributed to the grandeur of Nabucco, so the tragic theme of Shakespeare’s drama called…
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Only with Macbeth (1847), however, was Verdi inspired to fashion an opera that is as gripping as it is original and, in many ways, independent of tradition. Just as the biblical theme had contributed to the grandeur of Nabucco, so the tragic theme of Shakespeare’s drama called…
Read More