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Macbeth: 8. Finale

On the battlefield Macbeth seems invincible. Then he is confronted by Macduff and the full meaning of the Witches' prophecy becomes apparent.

The story

Macduff and Macbeth
Damned be him that first cries 'Hold, enough!'
Macbeth

While Macbeth is preparing for battle he is given the news that Lady Macbeth has died. Macbeth has no time to mourn her loss. A soldier enters and tells Macbeth that Birnam Wood is apparently moving down the hillside towards Dunsinane (the branches are being carried by Malcolm's army). But on the battlefield Macbeth still believes himself to be invincible. He cuts through the enemy forces until, finally, he is confronted by Macduff. Macbeth tells Macduff he cannot win because 'You were born of a woman'. To which Macduff replies that he was 'cut from my mother's womb before her time'. The two fight and the full meaning of the Witches’ prophecy becomes apparent as Macbeth is killed and Malcolm is pronounced King of Scotland.

The main characters

Name Who is...
Macbeth Thane of Glamis, then of Cawdor, then King of Scotland
Lady Macbeth His wife
The 'Weird Sisters' Three strange creatures living wild on the heathland
Duncan The rightful King of Scotland
Banquo Macbeth's friend and comrade
Fleance Banquo's son
Malcolm Duncan's son and heir
Donalbain Duncan's younger son
Macduff Thane of Fife; loyal to Duncan / Malcolm
Angus, Lennox, Ross Three noblemen who initially support Macbeth but later leave him in favour of Malcolm / Macduff

In the song tutorial

Timing Content
00 00 Part 1 Listening to the slow opening of the 'Finale' before learning Verse 1, beginning: 'Came Birnam Wood to Dunsinane...' Learning the words line by line before singing the whole verse.
03 27 Part 1 Learning Verse 2, beginning: 'Across the land the bells ring out...' which has the same melody as Verse 1. Introducing a focus on breathing and attempting to sing to a set number of breaths.
06 32 Part 1 Noting that the song begins with an Instrumental verse (no singing) which is an opportunity to add your own instruments to join in with the melody. Congratulations from presenter Nigel Pilkington on completing all 8 songs of the series!
00 00 Part 2 Exploring the haunting melody of the 'Finale'. Noting the drone note - as used in 'Finale' - and then experimenting with singing the notes of the 5-note pentatonic scale over the drone. The class will need to be in their two groups for this section - one group to sing the drone note and the other to sing the notes of the scale.

Story questions

What news is Macbeth brought about his wife?

That she has died

Why does Birnam Wood appear to be moving?

Malcolm's soldiers have cut down branches and are marching on Dunsinane with the branches held in front of them - to disguise their strength

Who does Macbeth kill on the battlefield?

Siward - a young nobleman

Why does Macbeth believe Macduff cannot harm him?

According to the Witches' prophecy Macbeth cannot be harmed by anyone 'born to a woman' - but Macduff was 'cut from my mother's womb before her time'

Who becomes King of Scotland after Macbeth's death?

Malcolm - the rightful heir to the throne

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