Product: Verdi: Otello (1962)
Rating: 4.0
a fine performance that deserves to be seen
The qualities of Tebaldi's Desdemona are quite familiar to collectors which makes it essential that we can now see as well as hear her. Hans Beirer is largely forgotten today but makes a fine, well-sung Otello. He may not have the volume of Vickers or Domingo but his performance is better than either of those. Dooley's Iago is another fine artist who left all too few recordings. He sings and acts well, without the vocal crooning or set chewing of, say, Milnes. Patane's conducting is strong and flows nicely, far preferable to von Karajan's attempt at perfection or the "hurry-for-the-big-bits" styles of Levine or Solti. Of course, the television technology of 1962 doesn't hold up to today's but must be overlooked to enjoy a fine performance that can't be matched today.