Search - G. Verdi :: Verdi: Otello

Placido is the ultimate Otello

Rigoleto | 03/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I wanted to buy a good Otello CD (with Domingo of course,) I had to choose between the one we have here, and the one with the Opera de Bastille.

So far, I have listened to this La Scala performance for a thousand times, and I realy think it is supreb. Placido Domingo sounds powerfull, mighty.He is the best Otello. He sounds like to role was writen just for him. Justino Diaz as Jago sounds surprisingly good, evil and dark.Unlike some others, whose vioces are way to high for this role. When he sings his aria "Credo in Dio Crudel..." one can rely hear how evil Jago is. Katia Ricciarelli as Desdemona is soft and gentile. She is also one of the reasons why I like this recording so musch.

The orchestra, under maestro Lorin Maazel is great. Altdough Maazel's tempo is a bit slower (that Levine's for example), they are makin great music. And the special effects are just there to make it more perfect.



And finally, this is not a soundtract in the real sence of the word. This a genuine Otello recording.

Don't be hasitant, buy it and enjoy it.

"