discs would not play on my cd player

Also in cast:Rodrigo - Heinz KruseMontano - Herbert FlietherHerald- Heinz Jürgen Demitz

So many critics and opera lovers predicted Domingo would destroy his voice singing Otello. Well, Domingo certainly has had the last laugh on us, hasn't he? I would say his voice and technique have become even stronger over the years. His first efforts as Otello find him in ringing, assertive voice already well within the role. He would find more subtle readings of certain passages in later performances, but his actual singing here is very satisfying.Milnes is a wonderfully snarling Iago who joins Domingo on the high A at the end of the "Si, pel ciel" duet. He and Domingo always worked well together and their obvious chemistry pays great dividends. Ricciarelli was still making beautiful sounds in 1975 though her scooping and occasional unsteadiness on top are already in evidence. Her Act Four scena is very moving and she crowns the Ave Maria with an exquisite A-flat. The supporting cast is excellent, the chorus and orchestra under Levine first-rate. Levine shows why his conducting was so well-regarded in this opera.The in-house sound is good though sometimes the voices go off mic. Someone in the audience has an annoyingly close cough. I really enjoyed this performance, especially as a souvenir of Domingo's early thoughts about this great role.

Great recording. Domingo's Otello is very good. Milnes is powerful and devilish Jago. Ricciarelli is in top form here, with nicely sung Ave Maria. Levine does a good job in the pit of Hamburg State Opera. You can hear very long applause at the end of recording. No wonder why.

Domingos Otello - Debut !!! What else is there to say ??? The whole cast is brilliant !