Macbeth: 6. Dunsinane

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Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Video clips

An increasingly desperate Macbeth returns to the Witches for reassurance. They tell him to beware Macduff, but also that he cannot be harmed by anyone 'born to a woman'. Macbeth learns that Macduff has joined forces with Malcolm and vows to kill his wife and family.

Tutorial: 'Dunsinane' - Part 1

Key timings in the tutorial are:

00' 00":
Considering what a 'lament' is and the elements of the music that give it a sad, reflective tone.

02' 06":
Learning the chorus, which is a simple chant on the word 'Dunsinane' repeated five times.

02' 47":
Learning Verse 1, beginning: "I remember the day I first kissed you…' singing it a line at a time before singing alternate lines in groups. Focusing on singing with smooth phrases.

Tutorial: 'Dunsinane' - Part 2

Key timings in the tutorial are:

00' 00":
Learning Verse 2, beginning: 'Well our castle of love is now empty…' which is sung to the same melody as Verse 1.

02' 52":
Learning Verse 3, beginning: 'So tomorrow is all that is left me…' focusing on shaping the mouth to create clear vowel sounds.

06' 18":
Learning Verse 4, beginning: 'All the blood on my hands has bewitched me…' and singing it through straight away as it again is sung to the same melody as the other verses.

The story

Synopsis:

Ross and Lennox have found a quiet place on the battlements of Dunsinane to discuss the 'strange times'. Clearly they do not wish to be overheard and clearly they do not trust Macbeth. They reveal that Macduff has fled to England to join with Malcolm's forces.

Later, an increasingly desperate Macbeth returns to the Witches looking for reassurance. They tell him to beware Macduff, but also that he cannot be harmed by anyone ‘born to a woman’ or be beaten until 'Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane'.

Macbeth concludes that his position must be invincible. He then hears from Lennox that Macduff has joined forces with Malcolm and Macbeth vows to kill his wife and family.

See Resources below for a quiz about the story episode.

Song: 'Dunsinane'

Learn the song ‘Dunsinane’ - a nostalgic duo for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Once you have learnt the song singing with vocal version you can polish your performance singing with just the backing track.

Click here for the lyric sheet.

Click here for the music sheet.

Resources

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