Otello (Rossini)
Otello, also known as The Moor of Venice (Otello, ossia Il moro di Venezia), is an opera in three acts by Gioachino Rossini to an Italian libretto by Francesco Berio di Salsa, based on William Shakespeare's play Othello. It premiered at the Teatro del Fondo in Naples on December 4, 1816.
Rossini's Otello differs significantly from Shakespeare's play. While it retains the core themes of jealousy and betrayal, and the tragic downfall of Othello, Berio di Salsa's libretto omits several key characters (such as Cassio) and streamlines the plot. The opera focuses more intensely on the love triangle between Otello, Desdemona, and Rodrigo, with Rodrigo being a more prominent and powerful antagonist than in the original play. The emphasis is shifted away from the broader political and military context present in Shakespeare.
The opera is notable for its demanding vocal writing, particularly for the tenor roles of Otello and Rodrigo. It is considered one of Rossini's most dramatic and emotionally intense operas, marking a significant step towards his later grand operas such as Guillaume Tell.
The role of Otello is often considered one of the most challenging in the tenor repertoire, demanding a wide vocal range, exceptional agility, and powerful dramatic expression.
Principal characters include:
- Otello: A Moorish general in the Venetian army (tenor)
- Desdemona: Otello's wife (soprano)
- Rodrigo: A Venetian nobleman, in love with Desdemona (tenor)
- Elmiro: Rodrigo's father (bass)
- Iago: A Venetian officer, envious of Otello (tenor) - While Iago is present, his role and motivations are significantly less developed than in Shakespeare's play.
- Emilia: Desdemona's confidante (mezzo-soprano)
- Doge of Venice: (tenor)