The Most Beautiful Otello!
Impostazione | New York City Area | 01/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I simply can't express the utter beauty of this performance. That it is the least popular of all the modern versions is interesting. Carlo Cossutta had a colorful voice, alternating power, dynamics, intensity and shades of tone to maximum effect. His is the most introspective Otello, the most even voiced, the most secure and aristocratic. We instantly know why this Moor was chosen to lead the greatest city in Italy. He has everything including a little squillo now and then. When the demons haunt him, he seems to lose his mind not his physical controls. Is this not authentic for a great man? He is utterly beautiful. If I could compare him to anyone it would not be a tenor, but Regine Crespin. Cossutta was that kind of brilliant artist.
Margaret Price is simply divine. Dvorsky is full voiced Cassio. Solti remains one of my favorite. If this recording falls short anywhere, I would have to say that Mr. Bacquier is responsible. His Jago is on crack and that's putting it lightly.
A wonderful Otello....OLTRABELLA!
"