"Macbeth" is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi, with an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave and additions by Andrea Maffei, based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name. The opera explores themes of ambition, power, guilt, and madness, capturing the essence of Shakespeare's original tragedy through Verdi's dramatic music and powerful arias. It was first performed in 1847. Opera synopses: Returning victorious from combat, Macbeth and his friend Banco run into three witches who predict the future. Macbeth will become King of Scotland and Banco will be the first in a line of kings. Lady Macbeth, spurred by these predictions, which she fervently hopes will come true, pushes her husband to assassinate King Duncan and take over the throne. Then she encourages him to kill Banco who, however, manages to ensure that his son escapes. Then comes Macduff’s turn; he is a new obstacle whose elimination is planned after the murder of his wife and children. The homicidal frenzy of Lady Macbeth and her power-hungry husband leads them on a bloody path that will end tragically, their torment caused by their increasing guilt and the terror inspired by the awful revelations of the witches on the moor. Act I. Scene 2: Macbeth's castle *** Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband telling of the encounter with the witches. She is determined to propel Macbeth to the throne – by fair means or foul. "Vieni! t'affretta!/ Come! Hurry!". Lady Macbeth is advised that King Duncan will stay in the castle that night; she is determined to see him killed "Or tutti, sorgete / Arise now, all you ministers of hell". The Power Of Manipulation In Shakespeares Macbeth https://fastercapital.com/topics/the-power-of-manipulation-in-shakespeares-macbeth.html #arias #classicalvocal #italian #birgitnilsson