Otello

Synopsis

The Othello story, how jealousy can undermine even the deepest love. Cyprus, at the end of the 15th century, is an outpost of the Venetian Empire, at war with the Turks. The Governor is the Moor Otello, who has just married Desdemona, the young daughter of a noble Venetian family.

Our Review:

Keith McDonnell - 12 July 2012

After David McVicar’s bitterly disappointing staging of Les Troyens, and a season that’s hardly been one of the most memorable for star quality, The Royal Opera’s revival of Elijah Moshinsky’s 25 year old staging of Verdi’s Otello comes as a bolt out of the blue as not only does it deliver possibly the most thrilling three hours I’ve spent in Covent Garden this year, but it’s as fine a performance of this superb opera as you’re likely to encounter these days.

I happened to be present at the first night of this staging when it was new in January 1987 and that performance, conducted by Carlos Kleiber with Placido Domingo in the title role and Katia Ricciarelli as Desdemona, has rightly entered the operatic annals as being one of the finest performances of the twentieth century - and rightly so. Any subsequent outings have a lot to live up to, and whilst the current Royal Opera revival fails to erase memories of th...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

Frederick Pyne - 16 July 2012:

I agree - the best evening this season. The friend I was with said at the end of the first part 'wow I feel exhausted!' It was superb throughout. The sets still look very good and orchestra, Pappano and cast were terrific!...

Read more and add your own review