Verdi: Macbeth 2019
Verdi: Macbeth (2019) transports audiences into the depths of Shakespeare's darkest tragedy, reimagined through the soaring arias and dramatic intensity of Verdi's operatic masterpiece.
Director: Harry Kupfer
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Verdi: Macbeth (2019) about?
This operatic adaptation follows Macbeth, a victorious general whose hunger for power is stoked by a prophecy—and his wife's relentless persuasion. As he murders his way to the throne, guilt and paranoia erode their sanity, leaving them trapped in a spiral of violence and madness. Verdi's music amplifies every emotional fracture, turning Shakespeare's tragedy into a visceral experience.
Who directed Verdi: Macbeth?
Verdi: Macbeth was directed by Harry Kupfer, a renowned figure in opera known for his bold, psychologically driven stagings that highlight the emotional core of classic works.
Who stars in Verdi: Macbeth?
The film stars opera icons Plácido Domingo and Anna Netrebko as the doomed Macbeths, alongside Kwangchul Youn, Fabio Sartori, and Evelin Novak, with Florian Hoffmann rounding out the ensemble.
Is Verdi: Macbeth (2019) worth watching?
With stellar performances from Domingo and Netrebko, coupled with Daniel Barenboim's masterful conducting, this production is a must-see for opera enthusiasts. While it's not light viewing, its dramatic intensity and musical brilliance make it a standout in Verdi's canon—and well worth the runtime for those who love powerful storytelling.
How long is Verdi: Macbeth?
Verdi: Macbeth runs for 162 minutes (2 hours and 42 minutes).
About Verdi: Macbeth (2019) — Anna Netrebko and Plácido Domingo in Verdi's blood-soaked operatic masterpiece
Verdi: Macbeth (2019) transports audiences into the depths of Shakespeare's darkest tragedy, reimagined through the soaring arias and dramatic intensity of Verdi's operatic masterpiece. Directed by the visionary Harry Kupfer, this Berlin State Opera production stars the legendary Plácido Domingo and Anna Netrebko in a gripping portrayal of ambition, guilt, and paranoia. As the Macbeths' ruthless pursuit of power spirals into madness, the opera's haunting melodies and thunderous choruses amplify the psychological unraveling of a couple consumed by their own desires. With Maestro Daniel Barenboim leading the Staatskapelle Berlin, the score crackles with raw emotion, while Kupfer's staging immerses viewers in a world where shadows seem to whisper fate itself.
This isn't just an adaptation—it's a visceral experience that strips away the historical spectacle to reveal the raw, human cost of unchecked ambition. Netrebko's Lady Macbeth crackles with electric intensity, her vocal firepower matched only by Domingo's commanding presence as the tormented general turned tyrant. The production's atmospheric lighting and stark staging ensure every aria feels like a dagger twist, leaving audiences breathless alongside the doomed protagonists. Verdi: Macbeth (2019) is a triumph for opera lovers and newcomers alike, blending historical drama with operatic grandeur in a way that lingers long after the final note fades.