Katerina Ismailova

Ismailova, Katerina (Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District). Soprano. Wife of Zinovy Ismailov, whose father, Boris, lusts after her. While her husband is working away from home, she falls in love with the new family servant, Sergei. Her father-in-law finds out they are having an affair and she poisons him. When her husband returns and whips her, she and Sergei kill him and put his body in the cellar. During the festivities prior to her marriage to Sergei, the body is discovered and they confess their crime. On the road to Siberia, Sergei is attracted by another convict. Jealous, Katerina pushes the girl off a bridge into the river and jumps in to her own death. Created (1934) by A. I. Sokolova.