“Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District” by Dmitri Shostakovich |
“Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District” is an opera in four acts composed by Dmitri Shostakovich, with a libretto by the composer Alexander Preis. The opera is based on an 1865 novella of the same name by Russian writer Nikolai Leskov. The story revolves around the tragic life of Katerina Izmailova, who commits multiple crimes, including murder, to escape her loveless marriage. The opera’s premiere took place on January 22, 1934, and it initially received critical acclaim, only to be denounced later by the Soviet regime.
Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District” is a significant opera that initially enjoyed success, only to be denounced and banned due to the shifting political landscape in the Soviet Union. The opera’s controversial history and its portrayal of a strong, independent woman defying societal norms have left a lasting impact on 20th-century music and culture. |