Search - Giuseppe Verdi, Alain Lombard, Giuseppe Giacomini :: Otello

The Lion Roars

Charles Henry Jr. | Philadelphia, Pa United States | 01/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Iago utters the words "ecco il leone" at the end of Act 111 of Verdi's Otello, he is speaking about Giuseppe Giacomini. In this the penultimate tenor role we find this magnificent artist in top form. Along with Matteo Manuguerra and Margaret Price, we have at last THE ideal Otello. Add to that the excitement and drama of a live performance and this is truly a dream come true! I have listened to most recordings of Otello going back to the 78rpm era and theres been something wrong with all of them. Not always major problems but problems. Here we have THE Otello for all time. The heroic voice, clarion top notes and yes some gorgeous pianissimi usually foreign to this type of dramatic tenor. Also a complete understanding of the role. He owns and dominates the stage. This is an Otello Verdi himself would have loved. The seasoned veteran Matteo Manuguerra brings the proper sinister and calloused character to Iago. A strong clear voice and a real feel for the text. One of the best Iago's ive ever heard. Ive never really cared for Desdemona's music, the only one who captivated me in the big aria was Maria Callas and i dont believe she ever did the role onstage. Margaret Price has a lovely voice and does very well with this music. She and Giacomini pair up well. I have to nit pick just a little. I find Alain Lombards tempi to be a little on the slow side in certain passages that seem to call for more energy. There's just a few of these moments, most of the large orchestral sections come across just fine. Chorus and orchestra are just fine and the sound for a live recording is sensational. All in all a five star performance and a must have if for Giacomini alone. I know he has his critics, but for the life of me i cant figure out why. This man is truly brilliant and he seems to get better with age! Its wonderful to have his Otello on disc"