Otello 1972Scottish Opera
Read more about the opera Otello
On the face of it this was a routine revival of Anthony Besch’s production, with Charles Craig, Peter Glossop and William McAlpine returning in familiar roles. For the first time, money was spent on new costumes instead of borrowing them from Covent Garden. Alberto Erede played an important part in developing British operatic life in the post-war years, and this was his only appearance with Scottish Opera. The small role of the Herald is frequently used as an opportunity for young singers to make their first appearance, and on this occasion the job fell to the young Australian baritone Malcolm Donnelly, whose roles with the company would eventually include Macbeth, Rigoletto and Boccanegra.
However, this revival was most notable for the lovely performance by Kiri Te Kanawa, making her debut in Scotland and her first attempt at the role of Desdemona. This was a part she would later sing for her debut at the New York Met. She also sang it at Covent Garden and on Solti's second recording, made several years later in Chicago, with Pavarotti in the title role.
