Otello

Herbert von Karajan directed this film of Verdis Shakespearan masterpiece as well as conducting the Berlin Philharmonic As the tragic Moor of Venice arguably his greatest role John Vickers in the words of critic David Cairns commands both the notes and the moral grandeur of the part And he has the aura of greatness greatness of heart of bearing of musical and dramatic conception Mirella Freni is a heartbreakingly lovely and fragile Desdemona while the fine English baritone Peter Glossop plays the villainous Jago