Otello

by Giuseppe Verdi (1813 - 1901).

The island of Cyprus, under Venetian rule, is besieged by a Turkish fleet. Otello, a Moor in the service of Venice, has been appointed to command the island's forces against the attackers. He is accompanied on Cyprus by his wife, Desdemona, his ensign, Iago, and Cassio, a captain. He leads his fleet into battle against the Turks.

The action of the opera takes place in and around the palace of the governor of Cyprus.

ACT I

A crowd watch the sea during a storm, awaiting the return of Otello. Among them are Montano, Otello's predecessor as governor of Cyprus, and Cassio. For a moment it seems as if Otello's ship will founder, to Iago's delight, but the ships make port and Otello announces the glorious victory achieved by his fleet and the power of the storm: the Turks have been scattered and destroyed (Esultate!).

Iago speaks with Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman, who is in despair, and offers to help him to win the woman he desires - Desdemona.

The crowd celebrate the victory (Fuoco di gioia!). Iago invites Cassio to drink with him and Roderigo. Cassio is reluctant but Iago insists that he drink to the marriage of Otello and Desdemona. Iago urges Roderigo to make Cassio drunk. When Montano comes to call the captain to guard duty, Roderigo laughs at Cassio's drunkenness. Cassio takes offence and draws his sword on Montano when the latter intervenes. As they fight, Iago sends Roderigo to stir up the town. Montano is wounded and the fight is stopped only by the appearance of Otello. Iago says he cannot understand what has happened: all were friends and then they fought as though bewitched. Otello becomes more angry when he discovers that Desdemona has been woken by the tumult. He strips Cassio of his captaincy, tells Iago to patrol the town to restore quiet, calls for help for Montano and orders everyone to return to their houses.

Alone with Desdemona he reflects on their love, which overcomes all strife (Già della notte densa). Desdemona remembers how Otello had told her the story of his life. She had loved him for his misfortunes and he had loved her for her compassion. Otello, in an ecstasy of joy, invites death, fearing that he will never know such happiness again; Desdemona prays that their love will remain unchanged. So overwhelmed by joy that he can scarcely breathe, Otello kisses her.

ACT II

Iago advises Cassio to ask Desdemona to intercede for him with Otello, then his captaincy will certainly be restored. Cassio goes to do this and Iago announces his personal creed: a belief in the evil nature of man. Death is nothingness and heaven an old wives' tale (Credo in un Dio crudel).

When Otello reports that he has seen Cassio leaving Desdemona, Iago subtly arouses his master's sense of jealousy and then warns him against that emotion - yet Otello should be vigilant. A group of Cypriots present Desdemona with gifts, praising her beauty and goodness. She then asks Otello to pardon Cassio. He will not hear of it and rejects her attempts to calm him. Iago makes Emilia (his wife and Desdemona's companion) give him Desdemona's handkerchief, which Otello has thrown aside in his anger.

Otello begins to convince himself that his wife is false and that his happiness and glory are ended (Ora e per sempre addio sante memorie). He demands that Iago find proof of her guilt. Iago tells him that he has heard Cassio speaking in his sleep of his secret love affair with Desdemona, and he is sure he saw Cassio the previous day with a handkerchief of Desdemona's. Otello, now fully convinced of his wife's betrayal, swears to avenge himself; Iago joins him in his vow.

ACT III

A herald brings news of the approach of ambassadors from Venice. Iago says he will show Otello proof of Cassio's guilt.

Desdemona intercedes for Cassio again but Otello rejects her pleas and asks for the special handkerchief he gave her. When she cannot produce it he accuses her of infidelity. Desdemona cannot imagine what her fault has been. After violently ejecting her from the room, Otello vows to make her confess her crime and then kill her (Dio! mi potevi scagliar).

Iago talks to Cassio about his mistress Bianca, but allows the listening Otello to assume they are discussing Desdemona. Cassio produces the handkerchief (which Iago has secreted in his lodging) and Otello is convinced that his suspicions are correct. He resolves to kill Desdemona that night and promotes Iago to captain.

All gather for the arrival of Lodovico, the ambassador from Venice. As Otello reads the Doge's message, Lodovico comments on Cassio's absence. Otello rounds on his wife when she again speaks for Cassio, and then announces the Doge's orders: he is to return to Venice and Cassio is to be governor in his place. As all reflect on the news and Otello's treatment of Desdemona, Iago urges him to kill her quickly; he will take care of Cassio. Then he urges Roderigo to kill Cassio so that Otello - and consequently Desdemona - will remain on Cyprus.

In a fury Otello drives everyone out. He collapses as he imagines Desdemona's betrayal. Iago is triumphant.

ACT IV

As Desdemona prepares for bed she remembers the sad song of her mother's maid, Barbara, who had loved a man who deserted her (Piangea cantando). She prays to the Blessed Virgin.

Otello arrives and tells her to pray for forgiveness before he kills her. She denies his accusation of adultery but Otello strangles her. Emilia returns with the news that Cassio has killed Roderigo. She sees the dying Desdemona and summons help. Iago's plot with the handkerchief is revealed and he flees. Otello kills himself.