MACBETH Melodramma in 4 atti Composer: Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) Libretto: Francesco Maria Piave & Andrea Maffei, after Shakespeare First performed: Teatro della Pergola, Florence, 14 March 1847; revised version: Théâtre Lyrique, Paris, 19 April 1865
SETTING: Scotland, 1040
PLOT: Macbeth and his wife murder their way onto the throne of Scotland.
No. 9 – Convito, Visione, Finale II Convito: ‘Salve, o re! – Voi pur salvète’ Brindisi: ‘Si colmi il calice’ Tempo di mezzo: ‘Tu di sangue hai brutto il volto’ Apparizione e Brindisi: ‘Che ti scosta, o re mio sposo’ Quartetto: ‘Sangue a me quell’ombre chiede’
Banquo has been murdered on Macbeth’s orders. He is horrified to see the spectre at the feast. The guests believe he has gone mad; although Lady Macbeth tries to distract them by singing a woozy brindisi, they leave in terror.
Macbeth, generale dell’esercito del re Duncano / general in King Duncan’s army (baritone): Piero Cappuccilli Lady Macbeth, moglie di Macbeth / Macbeth’s wife (soprano): Shirley Verrett Dama di Lady Macbeth (mezzo-soprano): Stefania Malagù Macduff, nobile scozzese, signore di Fiff / Scottish nobleman, Thane of Fife (tenor): Plácido Domingo
Conductor: Claudio Abbado Coro e Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala Milan, 1976
Watch videos with other singers performing Salve o Re:
SCENA V Magnifica sala. Mensa imbandita. Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Macduff, Dama di Lady Macbeth, Dame e Cavalieri.
CORO Salve, o Re!
MACBETH Voi pur salvete, nobilissimi signori.
CORO Salve, o donna!
LADY Ricevete la merce' dei vostri onori.
MACBETH Prenda ciascun l'orrevole Seggio al suo grado eletto. Pago son io d'accogliere Tali ospiti a banchetto. La mia consorte assidasi Nel trono a lei sortito, Ma pria le piaccia un brindisi Sciogliere, a vostr'onor.
LADY Al tuo regale invito Son pronta, o mio signor.
CORO E tu ne udrai rispondere Come ci detta il cor.
English Libretto or Translation:
SCENE THREE A magnificent hall with a table laid for a banquet. Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, her Gentlewoman, Macduff, Knights and Ladies.
CHORUS Hail, King!
MACBETH Hail to you, most noble lords.
CHORUS Hail, madam!
LADY MACBETH Accept my thanks for your praise.
MACBETH Let everyone take his place according to his rank. I am pleased to greet such guests at the banquet. Let my consort take her appointed place on the throne. But first let her offer a toast in your honour.
LADY MACBETH I am ready to answer your royal request, my lord.
ALL And you will hear our reply, prompted by our hearts.