Verdi: Otello - Cossutta, Te Kanawa, Cappuccilli; Mackerras. London, 1974

Description: A young Kiri Te Kanawa makes this recording a worthy addition to anyone's library. Her ethereal voice gives Desdemona an almost mystical presence. The trade-off is that some of the dramatic moments loose some of their bite. Piero Cappuccilli is an excellent Iago joining Otello for a thrilling High A at the end of Act II. The natural quality of his suave baritone may lack the malevolence of Tito Gobbi, but he plays it to his advantage creating a Iago who is more calculating politician than complete sociopath. The real surprise was Carlo Cossutta in the title role. He brings a security and Italianate lyricism to the part coupled with a nice baritonal color. Charles Mackerras favors a slower approach to the score without undercutting the energy. The sound is good OD 10952-2