Otello (1973)

Director: Roger Benamou

Herbert von Karajan directed this film of Verdi’s Shakespearan masterpiece as well as conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. As the tragic Moor of Venice, arguably his greatest role, John Vickers (in the words of critic David Cairns) "commands both the notes and the moral grandeur of the part. … And he has the aura of greatness – greatness of heart, of bearing, of musical and dramatic conception". Mirella Freni is a heartbreakingly lovely and fragile Desdemona, while the fine English baritone Peter Glossop plays the villainous Jago.

Cast

Jon Vickers

Otello

Mirella Freni

Desdemona

Peter Glossop

Jago

Stefania Malagú

Emilia

José van Dam

Lodovico

Michel Sénéchal

Roderigo

Aldo Bottion

Cassio

Herbert von Karajan

Conductor