Giuseppe Verdi Tragic Opera Otello

Plot Synopsis and Character Description of an Italian Tragedy

Aug 14, 2009

Otello (Othello), an Italian tragedy by Giuseppe Verdi: opera plot summary, character list, and other Verdi opera information.

Giuseppe Verdi (October 9, 1813 – January 27, 1901) composed Otello (Othello), a lyric tragic drama in four acts. The libretto is written by A. Boito after William Shakespeare. It was premiered at La Scala, Milan, February 5, 1887. The setting is in a seaport on the island of Cyprus, end of 15th century.

Notable arias: "Piangea cantando" / "Willow Song," (Desdemona,) "Ave Maria" (Desdemona,) "Dio, mi potevi," (Otello,) "Inaffia l'ugola."

Giuseppe Verdi was 74 when Otello was produced, 16 years after the famous Aida. It is regarded as the greatest of all his tragic and dramatic operas, partly credited to the brilliant librettist Arrigo Boito who managed to produce most of action from Shakespeare's dialogue for an Italian opera.

Character Roles of Otello

Act I. A Quay by the Sea Outside the Castle

Otello, the new governor makes for harbor. The Cypriots watch his ship being tossed about in the storm, but he lands safely and announces the defeat of the Moslems. Roderigo and Iago has exchange of conversation which is revealed that Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, Otello's wife. Iago promises to help his case as he confesses that he hates Otello for promoting Cassio over him. He and Roderigo get Cassio drunk and provoke him into a fight. Otello demotes Cassio for misbehaving.

Act II. A Courtyard of Otello's Castle

The scene suggests that Iago and Cassio have been into a long conversation. Iago persuades Cassio to ask Desdemona to intervene with Otello on his behalf to be reinstated. However, Iago continues his schemes and evil intentions.

When Otello sees Cassio talking to Desdemona, Iago further fuels Otello's jealousy. He turns a deaf ear when Desdemona pleads for Cassio's cause. As he throws Desdemona's handkerchief to the ground, Emilia picks it up, which Iago takes away from her. Completely engulfed with unfounded jealusy, Otello needs proof, which Iago provides through the handkerchief.

Act III. The Great Hall of the Castle

Otello lays a trap for Desdemona and Cassio by demanding that Desdemona show the handkerchief he gave her. When she cannot produce it, he openly accuses her of infidelity which she denies. Greatly enraged, Otello swears to kill his wife the moment Cassio confesses.

Otello hides on the terrace while Iago leads on the unsuspecting Cassio. When Cassio produces the handkerchief which Iago has planted on him, Otello has his proof. He promotes IAgo to captain. The two men plot the deaths of Cassio and Desdemona.

Trumpets announce the arrival of the Venetian delegates. Lodovico, the Venetian ambassador, arrives and is welcomed by Otello. The ambassador hands him a dispatch. Desdemona this time speaks of Cassio to the ambassador and Otello had to be restrained from striking her, which surprises Lodovico.

Otello announces his dispatch and appoints Cassio governor in his absence. Iago is furious and sets Roderigo to attack Cassio. Overcome by emotion, Otello faints.

Act IV. Desdemona's Bed Chamber

Desdemona, having a premonition of her own death, sings the "Willow Song" her mother sang to her when she was a child and says her prayers.

When Otello accuses her of infidelity, she again denies it and protests her innocence. He strangles her. Emilia enters and announces that Cassio has killed Roderigo. Cassio, Lodovico, Montano, and Iago enter. Eventually, Iago's scheme is revealed from Roderigo's confession. Iago tries to run out but is pursued by Otello's men.

Otello gazes at the lifeless Desdemona, and stabs himself. Just before dying he drags himself to kiss his wife.

Sources:

Sadie, Stanley, Ed. The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd Edition. London: MacMillan Publishers, 2000

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