Librettist: Francesco Maria Piave
Based on Macbeth, a play by William Shakespeare

Cast of Characters

• Lady Macbeth, (Soprano
• Macbeth, (baritone) her husband
• Banquo, (bass) a General
• Macduff, (tenor) a Scottish nobleman
• Duncan, (Mute, King of Scotland
• Lady-in-Waiting to Lady Macbeth, (Soprano
• Malcolm, (tenor) son of Duncan
• Fleance, (Mute, son of Banquo
• Doctor, (bass)
• Witches, spirits (dancers), servants, messengers, soldiers, assassins, nobles and peasants.

Setting

Scotland in 1040 and after

Premiere

14^th March 1847; Florence, Italy.

Plot

Macbeth covets the throne of his country and is manipulated into killing the current King by his wife. The King comes to Macbeth s castle to reward him with the title and estates of the rebel Cawdor. Conscience and the super-natural join forces to destroy Macbeth and his evil wife.

Memorable sections of music

Vieni! t affretta!
Mi si affaccia un pugnal?
Act I Ensemble: Schiudi, inferno
Sì colmi il calice
Ah, la paterna mano
Act IV scene 2 (the sleep-walking scene)

Copyright © Stephen L. Parker, 1996.