JOSEPH HOROVITZ (b. 1926)Lady Macbeth (1970)
This chapter considers Joseph Horovitz's Lady Macbeth scena. This short, through composed dramatic scena is extracted and compiled from different scenes of Shakespeare's play. It presents a vivid, multifaceted portrait of Lady Macbeth, showing her progression from lofty pride and ruthless ambition to guilt ridden madness. The piece is meticulously crafted and the music's flexible, chromatic tonality is cohesive and highly accessible. A faint tinge of Scottishness can be detected in the choice of rhythmic gestures. Extremes of range are eschewed: most of the work lies in middle register, avoiding any jarringly exaggerated chest voice sounds. Accordingly, high notes are used sparingly. The palette of conflicting moods and emotions is conjured with consummate skill and rhythmic vitality. Rapid babblings are interspersed with bursts of outraged scorn and frustrated passion.