Verdi Macbeth Chailly (1987)

Verdi Macbeth Chailly (1987) poster

Claude D'Anna's film of Verdi's Macbeth is a gloomy affair, stressing the descent into madness of the principal villains. It's acted by the singers of the Decca recording of the opera (with two substitutions of actors standing in for singers) and the lip-synching is generally unobtrusive. The musical performance is superb, conducted by Riccardo Chailly with admirable fire, and sung by some of the leading lights of the opera stages of the 1980s. Shirley Verrett virtually owned the role of Lady Macbeth at the time, and she delivers a terrific performance, the voice equal to the role's wide register leaps and it's suffused with emotion, whether urging her husband on to murder or maddened by guilt in the Sleepwalking Scene. Leo Nucci's resonant Macbeth may lack the ultimate in vocal color and steadiness (his last notes of the great aria Pietà, rispetto, amore are wobbly) but he compensates with intensity in both singing and acting.

Director: Claude d'Anna
Genre: Music
Runtime: 133 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Giuseppe Verdi
Production: Deutsche Grammophon
Country: United Kingdom
Language: Italiano
Original Language: it

Keywords

opera

More Films by Director: Claude d'Anna
More Films in Genre: Music

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Verdi Macbeth Chailly about?
Claude D'Anna's film of Verdi's Macbeth is a gloomy affair, stressing the descent into madness of the principal villains. It's acted by the singers of the Decca recording of the opera (with two substitutions of actors standing in for singers) and the lip-synching is generally unobtrusive. The musical performance is superb, conducted by Riccardo Chailly with admirable fire, and sung by some of the leading lights of the opera stages of the 1980s. Shirley Verrett virtually owned the role of Lady Macbeth at the time, and she delivers a terrific performance, the voice equal to the role's wide register leaps and it's suffused with emotion, whether urging her husband on to murder or maddened by guilt in the Sleepwalking Scene. Leo Nucci's resonant Macbeth may lack the ultimate in vocal color and steadiness (his last notes of the great aria Pietà, rispetto, amore are wobbly) but he compensates with intensity in both singing and acting.
Who directed Verdi Macbeth Chailly?
Verdi Macbeth Chailly was directed by Claude d'Anna.
Who stars in Verdi Macbeth Chailly?
Verdi Macbeth Chailly stars Leo Nucci, Shirley Verrett, Samuel Ramey, Anna Caterina Antonacci, Veriano Luchetti, Antonio Barasorda.
How long is Verdi Macbeth Chailly?
Verdi Macbeth Chailly has a runtime of 2h 13m (133 minutes).
What genre is Verdi Macbeth Chailly?
Verdi Macbeth Chailly is a Music film.
Where was Verdi Macbeth Chailly produced?
Verdi Macbeth Chailly was produced in United Kingdom.