What is the story of the opera Otello?
Synopsis. Based on the famous play by Shakespeare, Verdi’s Otello follows the story of the happy couple, Otello, the governor of Cyprus and Venetian general, and Desdemona as they are dragged through an evil plot constructed by Iago. Iago is the slighted ensign of Otello, who has been passed over for a promotion.
What type of opera is Otello?
Otello (Italian pronunciation: [oˈtɛllo]) is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Arrigo Boito, based on Shakespeare’s play Othello. It was Verdi’s penultimate opera, first performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, on 5 February 1887.
Did Verdi write Otello?
Otello, opera in four acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (Italian libretto by Arrigo Boito) that premiered at La Scala opera house in Milan on February 5, 1887. Based on William Shakespeare’s play Othello, the opera was Verdi’s next-to-last and brought the composer to the peak of his dramatic power.
Who was the villain in the opera Otello?
Iago is the play’s main antagonist, and Othello’s standard-bearer. He is the husband of Emilia, who is in turn the attendant of Othello’s wife Desdemona. Iago hates Othello and devises a plan to destroy him by making him believe that Desdemona is having an affair with his lieutenant, Michael Cassio.
What is the meaning of Otello?
Origin:Italian. Popularity:5595. Meaning:wealth, fortune.
Where did Verdi study music?
In 1832, Verdi applied for admission at the Milan Conservatory, but was rejected due to his age. Subsequently, he began studying under Vincenzo Lavigna, a famous composer from Milan.
How is Iago evil?
Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and envy. He is jealous of Cassio for obtaining the position of Lieutenant over him, jealous of Othello–believing that he has bedded his wife–and jealous of Othello’s position, despite his race.
Why does Iago hate the Moor?
Why does Iago hate Othello? The main reason Iago gives for plotting to destroy Othello is a suspicion that Othello may have had an affair with Emilia.
Was Verdi born to a poor family?
Giuseppe Verdi was born to a poor family in a tiny Italian village.
How does Verdi develop the role of Otello during the opera?
It is fascinating to observe how Verdi develops the role of Otello during the opera. In the “Esultate” of the first act we see a radiant expressive singer, in Act II he becomes a roaring lion and in this and the fourth act a whining protagonist. Vickers was a great Othello.
What is the last death scene Verdi wrote in Otello?
“Niun mi tema” is the last death scene that Verdi has written in his long career as a composer. It is resignative. Dark chords in minor accompany Otello to his suicide.
Who was the composer of Otello?
His publisher, Giulio Ricordi, had other ideas and proposed Otello in 1879, first to Boito—himself a composer though better known as a poet—and then to Verdi. Boito and Verdi had worked together before on smaller projects, and they would do so again on Falstaff, Verdi’s last opera.
How did Giuseppe Boito get Verdi to write Otello?
It took his Milan publisher Giulio Ricordi the next ten years, first to encourage the revision of Verdi’s 1857 Simon Boccanegra by introducing Boito as librettist and then to begin the arduous process of persuading and cajoling Verdi to see Boito’s completed libretto for Otello in July/August 1881.