This performance was once available on the Ponto label and it's a distinct blessing that Opera Depot has made it available again for future generations. Some opera lovers will cry "Foul'" because it's not sung in the original Italian. Who cares?!? Singing in ther native tongue, these singers convey the characters far more convincingly than they would had they been strait-jacketed with the Italian.Atlantov and Vishnevskaya are both heard here at their freshest. Vishnevskaya truly sings beautifully throughout, especially in the last act where her elegiac tone and superb legato combine for a heartrending Willow Song only to be crowned with an exquisite pianissimo A-flat at the end of the "Ave Maria". She even screams where the composer asks her to at the climax of the murder scene (most contemporary sopranos don't bother.) Atlantov cont

Atlantov contributes a heroic Otello, always sticking to the vocal line, becoming audibly more unhinged as the opera progresses. His duets with Vishnevskaya are highlights of the performance. He nails the opening "Esultate!" and easily makes it to the optional top C in Act Three. His death scene is sung and acted with passionate restraint and beauty. A classic portrayal.Oleg Klyonov is a terrific Iago too. He suggests the man's easy, manipulative manner while always suggesting his darker side. He is one of the few Iagos who perform Verdi's written trills. The other soloists are all excellent as are the orchestra and chorus. Evgenij Svetlanov leads a tight performance, but be prepared for some cuts we're not used to hearing. All of the choral music in Act Two praising Desdemona is cut, leaving us with her reply sung off-stage (and sung beautifully by Vishnevskaya.) Most of the third act ensemble is cut as well. The sound is excellent broadcast mono with no glitches that I heard. This is a required acquisition for any lover of Otello or these singers.

new and wonderfull

Despite some peculiar cuts, this is an impressive performance, well conducted and well sung. Atlantov, in particular, sounds better than he did during his international career.

In spite of this perf. being sung in Russian and part of Act3 ensemble cut-this is a GREAT OTELLO!!Audio if v. good