Ottelo: Act 1 - Gi` nella notte

This is not strictly Verdi's Otello; it is a fast-moving, hard-hitting film adaptation of the opera that omits some of the music (most notably the "Willow Song") to enhance the dramatic pace. With brilliant camera work, the "you-are-there" impact of film vs. a videotaped stage production, and outstanding performances from all the principals, it is also the Otello that you may find yourself replaying most frequently.

Director Franco Zeffirelli has been criticized for altering Verdi--in effect, for adapting the libretto (the best one Verdi ever had) to a medium that Verdi never imagined. But he is only giving to Verdi the same kind of treatment that Verdi gave to Shakespeare and Shakespeare gave to his Italian sources. It's a daring treatment, but it works brilliantly. Placido Domingo stands out in his generation as an interpreter of Otello, vocally powerful and dramatically convincing. He is well supported by Katia Ricciarelli as Desdemona and Justino Diaz as Iago. --Joe McLellan

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Opera
• Placido
• Domingo
• Verdi
• Ottelo

[54spiritedwill54]

I love this scene (and a whole film as well)

[iamalittlespy]

One of the most beautiful moments of the opera and of entire Verdi's output.

[zambombazo0]

Me encanta esta ópera de Verdi y Plácido Domingo está soberbio con esa voz ocura

[al1936ful]

@potomusicfan4ever It's at normal pitch on the soundtrack album. And there is nothing cut from the opera on the album. But on the album, the voices sound far away, while the orchestra practically blasts you out of your seat.

[al1936ful]

@TheBasilio Toda la pelicula es asi. Pero en el "soundtrack album" suena mas normal, y no cortan nada.

[TheBasilio]

porque esta un tono abajo???

[MickaelBest]

ZEFFIRELLI. THE GREAT.

[sashka6666]

Dear chubs,

And how exactly would you have a Spaniard portray a Moor if not with some make-up and your imagination? Opera bookings and choices have to do with the ability of the singer, not the sensibilities of the puportedly "left out"

[domi2020]

Beautiful film but I wish Zeffirelli had chosed a better Desdemona- Riciarelli isn't bad but there were other more worthy sopranos-Te Kanawa, Freni to name a few. But will always be rewarding watching.

[sonicesocool]

Beautiful BUT opera believes in "traditional casting" except this. C'mon. I hope blackface went out with the last century. They are lipsynching - it's a film. Pith can be changed and tempo kept the same btw.