Verdi's Otello

Another chance to hear Jonas Kaufmann singing the title role of Verdi's Otello from the Royal Opera House, recorded in 2017

Verdi's great Shakespearean tragedy of revenge, this gripping drama about the human psyche pushed to the limits by jealousy stars Jonas Kaufmann as the great general brought low by the evil schemes of his ensign Iago, sung by Marco Vratogna. Maria Agresta is Otellos's innocent and falsely accused wife, Desdemona, in Keith Warner's new production which emphasises the claustrophobia of this all-too-human tragedy. The Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, are conducted by Antonio Pappano. James Naughtie presents this performance, recorded in July 2017, and his guest in the box is Flora Willson.

Otello ..... Jonas Kaufmann (tenor)
Desdemona ..... Maria Agresta (soprano)
Iago ..... Marco Vratogna (baritone)
Cassio ..... Frédéric Antoun (tenor)
Roderigo ..... Thomas Atkins (tenor)
Emilia ..... Kai Rüütel (mezzo-soprano)
Montano ..... Simon Shibambu (bass)
Lodovico ..... In Sung Sim (bass)
Herald ..... Thomas Barnard (bass-baritone)
Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra
Antonio Pappano (conductor).