Verdi - Otello / Domingo, Fleming, Morris, Croft, Levine, Moshinsky, Metropolitan Opera

If there was anything to be replaced in this production, it would be Domingo. He is too old for the vocal demands of the role and never had the right voice for Othello, anyway. Otherwise, the performance is excellent and Renee Fleming's Desdemona can not be possibly bettered. I must admit not being a huge fan of this opera, with its moronic hero and bombastic musical writing, but do have a favorite performance, which is a Tokyo production with Del Monaco, Gobbi, and Erede conducting. So, sue me.

This is probably the best "Otello" on DVD. Placido Domingo has some moments in which his voice sounds forced, particularly in "Si, pel ciel", but on the whole, the production is excellent, with great, exciting conducting by James Levine, a very good and believable Iago in James Morris, and a really good Cassio and Emilia.
The true star of the production, however, is Renee Fleming, who is simply spectacular as Desdemona. She sings like an angel, with wonderful expression and some ravishing pianissimi. Definitely the best Desdemona I've ever heard.
The staging is very lush and the costumes gorgeous, but I really can't understand why the old Met production, which was beautiful, wasn't kept on for a few more years. I'm sure there are other Met productions far more in need of updating.

I got this CD which didn't work. Received a replacment, which didn't work either. Is this a coincidence?

I wanted Placido Domingo singing "Otello" and I am extremely pleased with this DVD. The DVD arrived quickly and in perfect shape.

What a treat! Domingo was owning this...voice powerful, presence exactly right, and acting surprising excellent. Fleming was brilliant! Her voice was at the height of it's beauty. The last aria was so moving and perfect. While I didn't care for Morris's voice in this, I thought that he perfectly portrayed the character. And his second act with Domingo took this to this to another level. It left me breathless. The last act was so moving it brought me to tears. The pace was perfect throughout, and builds to a fantastic climax.I'll probably never get to see Domingo perform this live...but this is a wonderful record of a role that he totally owned.Bravo!