Rossini: Otello

200 years after its premiere, Rossini’s Otello returns to Naples in a staging by Amos Gitai. The opera was considered as one of Rossini’s masterpieces throughout the 19th century until it was more and more pushed aside by Verdi’s Otello. John Osborn excels in the highly difficult title role while Nino Machaidze is “an outstanding Desdemona, showing radiant technique and clarity, sensitivity in vibrato and phrasing” (bachtrach.com). Dmitry Korchak exploits every facet of the role of Rodrigo, and Juan Francisco Gatell convincingly portrays the sinister traitor. In the pit, Gabriele Ferro leads “an impeccable San Carlo Orchestra and Chorus” (bachtrack.com).