Otello

Gioachino Rossini

Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868) was the most celebrated Italian composer of his age, a master of both opera buffa and opera seria. Born in Pesaro, he penned nearly forty operas before the age of thirty-seven, including immortal works such as “Il barbiere di Siviglia,” “La Cenerentola,” and “Guillaume Tell.” “Adina, ovvero Il Califfo di Bagdad” (1818), though lesser-known, showcases all the melodic wit, rhythmic verve, and vocal brilliance that made Rossini the darling of Europe.

Rossini’s distinctive style, characterized by elegant melodies, rapid vocal passages, lively rhythms, and inventive orchestration, had a profound influence on nineteenth-century opera. His music combines theatrical energy with remarkable technical precision, allowing singers to display both virtuosity and expressive range. Even today, his operas remain staples of the international repertoire, admired for their wit, brilliance, and enduring freshness.

After retiring from the operatic stage at the height of his fame, he spent his later years in Paris as a revered cultural figure and gourmet.

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Otello, ossia Il moro di Venezia is a tragic opera in three acts by Gioachino Rossini, with a libretto by Francesco Berio di Salsa, first performed in Naples in 1816. The story centres on Otello, a Moorish commander in the service of Venice, who has secretly married the beautiful Desdemona, daughter of the nobleman Elmiro. The marriage, celebrated against her father’s wishes, sparks the ambitions of Rodrigo, the Doge’s son—who is also in love with Desdemona—and of the treacherous Iago, who harbours a deep hatred for Otello. To destroy the Moor, Iago devises a diabolical plot: he intercepts a letter from Desdemona and shows it to Rodrigo, convincing him that she secretly loves him. When Othello discovers the note and is tormented by doubt, Iago insinuates that Desdemona is betraying him with Rodrigo, using a handkerchief and false testimony as ‘proof’. Blinded by jealousy, Othello plots his revenge, whilst Desdemona, innocent and faithful, fails to understand her husband’s sudden hatred.

In the third act, the tragedy unfolds in Desdemona’s bedroom: the young woman, fast asleep, is joined by Othello who, despite a final, heart-rending conversation in which she proclaims her innocence, stabs her to death. A sudden noise heralds the arrival of Elmiro, Rodrigo, Iago and their retinue: Desdemona’s father accuses Rodrigo of plotting, and Iago, unmasked, confesses to his slander. It is too late: Othello, torn by remorse, throws himself upon his beloved’s corpse and kills himself with the very same dagger, whilst all those present stand petrified with horror at the irreparable catastrophe caused by deceit and jealousy.

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