Search - Verdi, Domingo, Ricciarelli :: Otello

Domingo's Best Otello

Scott Jelsey | Houston, TX United States | 07/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Domingo's second recording of Otello (1985) finds him in prime voice and character. I find this interpretation to be the best of the three - his 90's recording under Chung sounding slightly worn vocally. Ricciarelli is a touching, vulnerable Desdemona. Her limpid voice perfectly suits the character - a wonderful reading. Justino Diaz is not the most characterful of Iagos. His is a competent reading but misses the insinuation of the best Iagos, such as Gobbi, Milnes, Valdengo, etc. Maazel conducts an exciting performance, drawing fine orchestral and choral performances. By the way, this is the soundtrack used for the Zeferelli film. Although Desdemona's Act IV aria was cut from the film (what WAS Zeferelli thinking? This is the most famous music in the score!) it is included here and hauntingly sung by Ricciarelli in her very best voice."