Verdi: Otello

Jonas Kaufmann’s role debut as Otello in 2017 was one of the biggest operatic events in recent years and was lauded by critics. In this studio recording of Verdi’s late masterpiece, Kaufmann is joined by Carlos Álvarez as Jago and Federica Lombardi as Desdemona. Antonio Pappano, who also conducted Kaufmann’s debut performances, here conducts the Orchestra and Coro dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

Featuring

Antonio Pappano
Carlo Bosi
Carlos Álvarez
Fabrizio Beggi
Federica Lombardi
Gian Paolo Fiocchi

Jonas Kaufmann
Liparit Avetisyan
Riccardo Fassi
Virginie Verrez
Coro dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Giuseppe Verdi

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Compositional Technique

The role of Otello is considered unique in opera, often called 'Mount Everest' for tenors, requiring a wide range of vocal abilities from a solid baritone foundation to radiant high notes, and seamless legato to vivid declamato.

Recording & Production

This recording of Otello with Jonas Kaufmann and Antonio Pappano is the first complete opera recording in their long-standing partnership with Sony Classical.

Performer Biography

Jonas Kaufmann, the tenor singing Otello on this recording, made his role debut as Otello at the Royal Opera House in London on June 21, 2017, conducted by Antonio Pappano.

Composition History

Verdi was hesitant to compose Otello, stressing that he would make no promises and only composed for his own pleasure, due to the immense pressure and doubts about doing justice to Shakespeare's work.

Critical Reception

The premiere of Otello on February 5, 1887, was a 'stunning success', despite Verdi's initial reservations about the casting of Francesco Tamagno in the title role.

Composition History

Giuseppe Verdi initially intended to retire after his operas Aida (1871) and Messa da Requiem (1874), planning to live as a 'simple farmer' on his estate.