20 Facts About Otello

Otello is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Arrigo Boito, based on Shakespeare's play Othello.

Otello received the great acclaim of the public, which included the La Scala orchestra playing outside his hotel.

Otello was given its Paris premiere by the Opera at the Palais Garnier on 12 October 1894 with Albert Saleza in the title role, Rose Caron as Desdemona, and Paul Taffanel conducting.

Otello then asks "honest Iago" to explain how the duel began, but Iago says he doesn't know.

Otello then turns to Cassio, who is embarrassed and cannot excuse his actions.

Related searches

When Otello discovers that Montano is wounded, he becomes enraged.

Otello enters the room; Iago, pretending not to notice him, says that he is deeply troubled.

Otello asks what's wrong, but Iago gives only vague answers.

Otello begins to get suspicious, but declares that he needs proof before believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful.

Otello sourly tells her to ask him another time; as she persists, he grows impatient and says he has a headache.

Otello swears vengeance on Desdemona and Cassio, and Iago joins him in his vow.

Otello says that his headache has returned, and asks Desdemona to wrap her handkerchief around his head.

When she says she does not have it, Otello says that it was a talisman, and troubles will befall her if she loses it.

Otello calls her a demon and almost strikes her violently but is held back by Lodovico.

In separate asides, Iago urges Otello to take his revenge as soon as possible, while he will take care of Cassio.

Otello advises Roderigo that the only way to prevent Desdemona from leaving is for Cassio, the new Duke, to die, and suggests that Roderigo murder Cassio that night.

Otello's asks Emilia to put out the bridal gown she used on her wedding day, and says that if she dies, she wants to be buried in it.

Otello asks her if she has prayed tonight; she must die, and he does not wish to condemn her soul.

Otello says that the handkerchief Desdemona gave to Cassio is proof enough.

In 1894, Verdi composed a short ballet for a French production of Otello, which takes place during the third act and precedes the entrance of Lodovico.