Verdi’s monumental score is fully the equal of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy—and both demand great actors. This is one performance where both playwright and composer are well served. Plácido Domingo’s Otello is one of the glories of the operatic world, beautifully sung and so commandingly acted that audiences are devastated by the end. Renée Fleming’s ravishingly beautiful Desdemona is deeply moving, and as Iago, James Morris is as beguiling as he is menacing. Under James Levine’s conducting the Met orchestra and chorus are vital characters in the drama.

Genres

Cast

Plácido Domingo

Otello

Renée Fleming

Desdemona

James Morris

Jago

Jane Bunnell

Emilia

Richard Croft

Cassio

Christopher Schaldenbrand

Un Eraldo

James Levine

Conductor