Otello

This was Giuseppe Verdi's penultimate opera and one of his most mature works. The libretto by Arrigo Boito (who composed Mefistofele and did many libretti of other composers) is not without its flaws, and as may be expected in an opera, cuts down the cast for expedience. Still, I think Shakespeare would be pleased.

The cast, sets and orchestra and direction are the main reasons to get this title. I will start with the cast. Jon Vickers plays Otello and his booming voice is perfect for this role. Not only that but he is (as any opera fan will tell you) one of the best actors in the world of opera. He can get a tad hammy at times, but one must also remember he is under someone else's direction too. His voice, for me, is perfect for this role and it is not without the regard of others that he has become famous for this role (and of course, Peter Grimes).

Desdemona is played by Mirella Freni and her singing is without flaw. I sincerely mean that. As a singer myself, this is quite an achievement and it is lucky for posterity that it is preserved here (it is also available on CD). She is a decent actress as well- there are some slow moving moments choreographed to the music, but that is probably more von Karajan than the singers.

Jago is played by Peter Glossop and he sings and acts well- chews up the scenery a tad and revels in his wicked character- but still very enjoyable.

All the rest of the roles are well sung and acted. The next highlight of this DVD is the wonderful sets. This was filmed in part in Venice in a medieval castle with beautiful murals and the other sets created for this lavish production are really stunning. Costumes are all adequately appropriate.

Last but not least, we come to the Maestro himself, Herbert von Karajan who directed this film and conducted it as well. The orchestra of the Berlin Philharmonic is bombastic and beautiful- at the same time sometimes! There are moments where the orchestra is a tad overpowering, but it can also be enthralling. Probably the only "chink" in the proverbial armor for me is the direction of the singers (who are lip-synching their own recorded voices, sometimes not quite on ;)) by the late Maestro. There are times where one has to suspend a bit of their disbelief for the sake of the music. But then hey- this is an opera, not the Royal Shakespeare Company.

For me, this is 10 stars- it has remain my favorite Otello throughout the years and many other versions. My second choice is the Mario del Monaco and Rosanna Carteri one in B&W from VAI music.

TRIVIA... look for our conductor in a Hitchcockian cameo at 14:42 in the tavern scene- he has brown wig/mustache and looks bored with Jago's song, "Beva con me."

I am a big opera and Verdi fan, and I love Otello. This 1974 film is my favourite film version along with the Zeffirelli 1986 film. With great singers, lavish settings, magnificent music and a legendary conductor, what more can you ask for?Otello has a fine story and compelling characters, not just Otello himself but especially Iago(possibly my favourite villain in a Verdi opera, not only because he is the best-developed character of the opera besides Otello but also because compared to any other "villain" from a Verdi opera, Iago is pretty much one with no redeeming qualities). But as is the case with Verdi the joy is in the music, which is magnificent. Not just Desdemona's Willow Song, Si pel ciel and Esultate, but especially Iago's incredibly chilling Credo.

This film does a splendid job at producing such a fine opera. I have always held Herbert Von Karajan in high regard, and his conducting is remarkable and clearly done with complete dedication. Under his baton, the orchestra produce a great sound that is always appropriate in every scene. The settings and photography are absolutely exquisite. My one small nitpick is that I personally would have preferred a more foreboding setting during Credo in un dio crudel, but overall the film does have beautiful photography, lavish scenery and costumes that don't take you out of the period.

The performances are excellent across the board. Jon Vickers is magnificent as Otello, his booming voice is perfect for the stamina of such a difficult part, and acting-wise he doesn't just play Otello, he becomes him. Mirella Freni is a soprano I absolutely adore, actually I think she is my favourite soprano of all time for her allure and musicality. Here she is everything Desdemona should be, poignant and delicate and vocally she is perfection. The criminally underrated Peter Glossop is a suitably conniving Iago, and does commendably with both the singing and acting.

All in all, one of my favourite Otellos and a must for any opera enthusiast out there. 10/10 Bethany Cox