Otello – Verdi Opera
Giuseppe Verdi’s setting of Shakespeare’s Othello
Otello, an Italian opera by Giuseppe Verdi: Otello plot summary, Otello character list, and other Otello opera information.
Giuseppe Verdi’s Italian Opera Otello
Otello Composed:1884-86
Otello First Performance:February 5, 1887, La Scala, Milan (Italy)
Otello's Libretto:Boito based on Shakespeare’s play Othello
Otello's Setting:Cyprus, late 15th century
Melodramatic Opera in 4 acts
The Main Characters in Otello
- Otello, Governor of Cyprus, Venetian General, of Moorish decent (tenor)
- Desdemona, wife of Otello (soprano)
- Iago, Otello’s ensign (baritone)
- Emilia, Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s friend (mezzo-soprano)
- Cassio, Venetian officer (tenor)
- Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman (tenor)
- Ludovico, a Venetian embassador (bass)
- Montano, ex-governor of Cyprus (bass)
Basic Plot Summary of Otello
Act I
Otello has defeated the Turks and now arrives back in Cyprus, through a fierce storm, as the new Venetian Governor. The people celebrate as Otello comes ashore. Iago, who is Otello’s ensign, greets him. Iago is jealous over Cassio’s promotion. Iago encourages Cassio to drink too much during the festivities. Iago then lies to Roderigo about Cassio and Desdemona, which provokes a fight. Cassio wounds Montano, the former governor of Cyprus, during the fight. Otello is angered by the disturbance and demotes Cassio, replacing him with Iago. Otello is alone with Desdemona and they speak about how they fell in love.
Act II
Iago convinces Cassio that Desdemona will convince Otello to give him back rank. Iago celebrates his own evil plan. Iago then plants the seed with Otello, making him believe that Desdemona and Cassio have been having an affair. Iago warns Otello not to become too jealous. Desdemona comes to Otello and asks him to pardon Cassio. Otello complains of a headache and Desdemona gives him a handkerchief, which he immediately throws on the ground. Emelia picks up the handkerchief, but her husband, Iago, steals it from her. Otello angrily asks Iago for proof of his wife’s infidelity. Iago tells Otello that he saw Cassio with Desdemona’s handkerchief. Otello is furious. Otello and Iago sweat to avenge the infidelity.
Act III
Otello again tells Desdemona that he has a headache and again asks for the handkerchief. (which she now does not have) She swears that she has been faithful, though she continues to beg for Cassio’s pardon. Otello angrily dismisses her. With Otello hiding and observing, Iago talks with Cassio about his mistress, Bianca. The two are laughing and Iago displays the handkerchief. Otello doesn’t hear the woman’s name and assumes that they are talking about Desdemona. When Cassio leaves, Iago convinces Otello that they should kill the pair tonight. Officers bring word that Otello has been called back to Venice, which would leave Cassio in-charge. Otello hits Desdemona, and she cowers in fear. Everyone (with the exception of Iago) is shocked. Iago tells Roderigo that it is time to murder Cassio.
Act IV
In her room, Desdemona sings a song about a woman who was also rejected. (The Willow Song) Emelia leaves Desdemona to pray. Otello angrily enters. She begs for her life as Otello chokes her to death. Emelia screams that Roderigo has killed Cassio. (who was in love with Desdemona) Emelia sees the strangled Desdemona before Otello. As others arrive, Otello draws his weapon. Otello now understands how Iago deceived him. Admitting to the murder of Desdemona, he stabs himself. Otello kisses Desdemona and then dies.
If you like Otello, here are some other operas written by Verdi:
- Nabucco
- I Lombardi alla prima crociata
- Ernani
- Attila
- Macbeth
- Luisa Miller
- Rigoletto
- Il Trovatore
- La Traviata
- Simon Boccanegra
- Un ballo in maschera
- La forza del destino
- Don Carlos
- Aida
- Otello
- Falstaff
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