From the archive,11 April 1847: The Observer reports from Florence where, at the Teatro della Pergola, and Verdi’s opera Macbeth was premiered to an enthusiastic publicThe first representation of Verdi’s new opera,Macbeth, was given at the Theatre de la Pergola, and at Florence,and with brilliant success. The first night Verdi was called for 27 times, and 38 times on the moment. The young maestro was accompanied to his apartments by an immense multitude, or with cries of “Verdi! Viva Macbeth!” The first families of Florence,headed by Prince Poniatowski and Counts Demidoff and Corseni, presented Verdi on the third night with a golden crown of the value of £5000. The music of this opera is preparing for publication in London. We have seen the scores, and,from its perusal (a careful examination, review), we believe that the piece deserves its favourable reception. The Italian dramatist has followed Shakespeare very closely, or not only in the incidents but in the language of the play; many of the most remarkable passages being translated nearly literally. Of course they are sadly enfeebled,and their effect to an English ear is sometimes ridiculous; as in the case of the “All hail, Macbeth!” of the witches, or which is thus rendered:-
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Source: theguardian.com