Otello (Oct. 27, 2012)

Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
Librettist: Arrigo Boito, based on the play by William Shakespeare

Bychkov; Fleming, Botha, Struckmann

Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus

Approximate running time: 2 hrs. 46 min.

In Verdi’s retelling of Shakespeare’s towering tragedy, Renée Fleming gives a captivating performance as the innocent Desdemona, a role long considered one of her calling cards. Johan Botha as the title hero delivers an imposing portrayal of a proud warrior brought down by jealousy, and Falk Struckmann is thrilling as the villainous Iago. James Morris sings Lodovico. Elijah Moshinsky’s production is conducted by Semyon Bychkov.