by Giuseppe Verdi
Sung in Italian with English subtitles

Verdi's opera is based on the familiar Shakespeare play with a libretto by Boito. The opera tells of Otello's love for Desdemona which is gradually destroyed by the jealousy and intrigue of Iago, who falsely persuades Otello that Desdemona is Cassio's lover.
This performance was recorded during the Royal Opera's first British season outside London for 17 years, at the newly renovated Palace Theatre, Manchester,
Colin Davis conducts the Royal Opera Chorus, chorus-master John McCarthy
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, leader John Brown
Introduced by Richard Baker

Act I: Outside Otello's Castle in Cyprus
Act II: Otello's room in the Castle

The Royal Opera's Manchester season was made possible by Norwest Holst Ltd

Costumes from plays in The BBC Television Shakespeare series are currently on display at the Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford upon-Avon.