This performance of Otello may not be extraordinary, but it certainly gives an idea of what this opera would've sounded like in Italy circa 1947. All of the singers are good though some of the voices are a little rough and ready. The best known singer is probably Gabriella Gatti. She recorded the Countess in Nozze di Figaro and Fenena in Nabucco for Cetra (they can be found on YouTube), a number of arias, and this Otello. As native Italians these singers always know what they're singing about. Renato Gigli (not related to the more famous Beniamino Gigli) is a sturdy Otello who easily meets all the vocal challenges. His voice may have been too small for this role in a larger house, but he manages well here. Piero Biasini sang most of the bread-and-butter Italian repertoire at La Scala during the 40s as well as a number of contemporary works. The voice is rather rough and he tends to bark. He doesn't provide niceties like Iago's trills, but those weren't expected at the time. Unfortunately, his Credo is missing from this transcription. Gatti sings beautifully. Her big scene in Act Four sounds dubbed in from another source. The supporting singers are all very characterful. Previtali's tempi are slow and careful. Honesty compels me to report this was transferred from worn and noisy acetate discs. It didn't bother me, but other listeners may not be so tolerant.Not an essential performance then, but an enjoyable one.