Wonderful performance. Where was Hans Beirer when the.et had no house Otelllo. I refer to the post del Monaco. Pd.

There is some unusual casting in this recording that may make it interesting for Otello lovers. Hans Beirer was much better known for his Wagner roles so it is good to hear him singing Verdi. His voice was never a beautiful one and he was nearly 64 when this was performed. Those expecting a beautiful tone will be disappointed, but Beirer provides an intelligent, insightful characterization that holds him in good stead. There is still an exciting ring on top (dampened somewhat by the recessed sound) and he exults and rages most effectively. Jones was well on her way to becoming a Wagner/Strauss specialist by this time, yet she is still a lovely Desdemona. Her last act scena is beautifully sung and acted. She also has enough power to be clearly heard over the Act Three ensemble. Paskalis is a very good Iago with many interesting details in his characterization. Lilowa is a first-rate, assertive Emilia. Wallberg conducts very efficiently if without the Italianate flair that other conductors bring to this music.The sound is from an in-house source, but the voices can be heard clearly most of the time. There is some worn tape during the Act Two ensemble with Desdemona and the chorus, but it doesn't last very long. Not a first recording, of course, but for Otello fans looking for different singers in this repertoire a worthwhile acquisition.

Eine sehr gute Aufnahme der Othello-Vorstellung aus der Wiener Staatsoper. Vor allem mit dem großartigen Hans Beirer in der Titelrolle. Welcher Othello kann mit so einer heldischen Kraft die Partie meistern. Auch die sensiblen lyrischen Stellen gelingen ihm. Gwyneth Jones ist eine ebenbürtige Desdemona. Heinz Wallberg leitet das Orchester souverän.