Macbeth at Teatro Comunale di Bologna
About the Event
Verdi's relationship with Shakespeare began in 1847 when he first delved into the world of Macbeth. From then on, the Bard became a consistent source of inspiration and a benchmark for Verdi's compositions. When the opportunity arose in 1865, Verdi eagerly returned to the Scottish tragedy, making substantial revisions to the original version for its Paris premiere. One notable change was the inclusion of a grand choral finale, which shifted the focus away from the defeated protagonist's monologue and emphasized the universal power struggle that consumes all. Additionally, the presence of ballets in the opera heightened the importance of the witches and the supernatural voice of destiny. Love takes a backseat in Verdi's interpretation, as the only indulgence allowed is that of power and the throne. Verdi's music reflects this dramatic theme, avoiding banal ugliness and instead striving for a song that can embody the demonic, serving as both expression and theater.
Cast / Production
Conductor: Daniel Oren
Director: Jacopo Gassman
Nuova Produzione del Teatro Comunale di Bologna
Orchestra, Coro e Tecnici del TCBO
Choirmaster: Gea Garatti Ansini
Main characters and interpreters:
MACBETH: Roman Burdenko/Damiano Salerno
BANCO: Riccardo Fassi
LADY MACBETH Ekaterina Semenchuck/Daniela Schillaci
DAMA LADY MACBETH: Anna Cimmarrusti
MACDUFF: Antonio Poli/Paolo Antognetti
MALCOM: Marco Miglietta
Boys' Choir of the TCBO
Choirmaster: Alhambra Superchi
