Verdi's Otello (ePub)

Verdi was in his mid-seventies when his penultimate opera, was premièred. Fifteen years passed between the première of Aïda and that of Otello at La Scala in 1887.He was persuaded by his publisher Ricordi to compose it, and it took a long time. He used the librettist Boito who would later write the words for Falstaff.Verdi knew that Otello had to be better than Rossini's version of seven decades earlier. Despite his age, Verdi aimed to innovate by composing a 'music drama' thus competing with Wagner on his own ground.Otello was based Shakespeare's story about the Moor of Venice, which was staged in Whitehall, London, around 1600. Set in Cyprus, Othello, the tough, victorious admiral is childish in affairs of the heart. The evil Iago, his lieutenant, seeks revenge because he has not been promoted. He persuades Othello that the beautiful Madonna-like Desdemona, whom he recently wed, is unfaithful. Everything she does is capable of misinterpretation, especially some nonsense with the handkerchief he gave her. Insane with jealousy, Othello kills her and stabs himself.The star roles are extremely challenging and the music is marvellous, notably the popular Willow Song and the love music.Short Guides to Great Operas written by Michael Steen, author of the acclaimed The Lives and Times of the Great Composers, are concise, entertaining, and easy-to-read books about opera. They are packed with useful information and informed opinion, helping to make you a truly knowledgeable opera-goer, and so maximising your enjoyment of a great musical experience.Each at around the price you pay for a standard opera-house programme, and available from all popular ebook retailers and ereaders, they are the perfect accompaniment to a night at an opera – whether that's at home, or at the opera house, or in the cinema for opera on screen, such as ROH Live, Met Opera HD Live, or Glyndebourne Festival in cinemas.