Verdi - Otello / Barenboim, Franz, Alexejev, Magee, Schmidt, Rugamer, Berlin Opera

Rating:
Summary: Great conducting, very good singing, modern production
Review: This is one of the most thoughtful and electrifying versions of Otello I have ever heard--CD or DVD--the orchestral sound and detail is fabulous. Flimm's post-modern production is striking and sometimes effective, if flashy. The singing is always strong and insightful, especially Magee as Desdemona and Alexejev as Iago. Christian Franz's Otello is not in the heroic mold of Domingo but is effective nonetheless--an interesting alternative. Beautifully filmed.