Shakespeare's deadliest love story sung by giants. Karajan conducts. Vickers destroys you.
Herbert von Karajan directed this film of Verdi’s Shakespearan masterpiece as well as conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. As the tragic Moor of Venice, arguably his greatest role, John Vickers (in the words of critic David Cairns) "commands both the notes and the moral grandeur of the part. … And he has the aura of greatness – greatness of heart, of bearing, of musical and dramatic conception". Mirella Freni is a heartbreakingly lovely and fragile Desdemona, while the fine English baritone Peter Glossop plays the villainous Jago.
Acting
Vickers' Otello: terrifying tenderness, then pure volcanic rage.
Direction
Karajan treats the orchestra as another character—listen to the jealousy.
Production
Stripped-back staging lets three voices demolish an empire.
Director
Roger Benamou
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
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