Otello (1973)
Overview
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.
Cast
Jon Vickers
Otello
Mirella Freni
Desdemona
Peter Glossop
Jago
José van Dam
Lodovico
Michel Sénéchal
Roderigo
Aldo Bottion
Cassio
Herbert von Karajan
Conductor
