Verdi's "Otello"

Term Paper # 100774

Music Studies
Shakespeare > Othello

Verdi's "Otello"

An analysis of Verdi's musical interpretation of William Shakespeare's "Othello".

1,200 words () | 0 sources | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

Written in 1603, "Othello" by William Shakespeare, is a tragedy that was transformed into an opera by Giuseppe Verdi. "Otello" is considered to be Verdi's greatest opera and was performed in Milan on February 5, 1887. This paper discusses how throughout the opera, Otello and Desdemona's relationship changes dramatically and how their relationship change is most evident when contrasting the end of Act I with scene two of Act III. The paper also looks at how Verdi uses many unique musical techniques to match the dramatic needs of the libretto in these two scenes.

From the Paper:

"At the end of Act I Otello, the protagonist of the opera, walks into the bedroom where Desdemona is lying clearly enjoying the solace and quietness of his bedroom with his new wife. This scene contrasts directly with the scene before it. With all of the uproar outside now broken up, Otello is now enjoying the peace and quiet with his adored wife. While Otello is walking toward Desdemona, the focus is placed on Desdemona while violins are playing very softly. The soft violins playing in the background give Desdemona even more of a romantic quality to her. As Otello sits down on the bed he reaches to touch her face and once again soft violins are playing without any drums or horns in the orchestra. "