We don't reach this pinnacle of Verdi's ensemble genius from both the endings of Act 1 and Act 2 of Macbeth until Aida and Otello. Yes there are some very fine others. But these two ensembles from Macbeth . Are the essence of Verdi.
Very slow indeed. But when the chorus joins in, the tempo picks up so the initial slow tempo must have been for Verrett's benefit - perhaps to make it possible for her to get all the coloratura bits out cleanly and clearly?
