|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
Eric Meier
ENLU 1250
Final Paper
Narrative Design of “Otello”
Otello is a dramma lirico (lyrical drama - opera) set in 4 acts, the libretto (booklet) is by Arrigo Boito, completed after the French translation by Francois-Victor Hugo of the tragedy Othello, or the ‘Moor of Venice’ by William Shakespeare. ...
Otello is one of the most intense operas in the standard repertoire today, some reasons include its prose of Boito(as aided by William Shakespeare), the musical genius of Giuseppe Verdi, the dramatic performances of the principals, and the culmination of emotions.
The opera was first performed on February fifth, 1887, at the Teatro alla Scala (one of, if not the most famous opera house in the world), Milan, with the following cast:
Otello: Francesco Tamagno; Desdemona: Romilda Pantaleoni; Iago: Victor Maurel; Cassio: Giovanni Paroli; Lodovico: Francesco Navarrini; Emilia: Ginevra Petrovich. Conductor: Franco Faccio
Otello like most works involves narrative or series of events. ... Otello plays both roles and therefore makes for an appropriate title to the opera. ...
Otello opens with the introduction of a Venetian fleet at battle with a Fleet of Turks (who are part of the Ottoman Empire). ... The setting takes place in Cyprus where Otello is governor of the island and a general in the Venetian army. Roderigo has come to Cyprus because of his strong love for Desdemona, a beauty who recently was married to Otello. Promising to help Roderigo, Iago (Otello’s ensign) says Desdemona would soon surpass her husband, adding that he has reasons for revenge on Otello, because he passed him over for advancement, promoting Cassio to captain instead. ... Otello comes down to see what the ruckus is and sees Cassio swinging his sword in a drunken matter. ... He sends everyone home, and Otello turns returning to his bride. Iago tells Cassio that by presenting his case to Desdemona he can be reinstated back as a captain, because Otello is influenced by his wife. ...
Iago watches as Cassio approaches Desdemona in the garden, and when Otello comes in, the lieutenant makes casual remarks about Desdemona. Intrigued by his wifes beauty, Otello greets her, but she brings up the question of Cassios demotion, annoying him. ... As Desdemona tries to calm Otello, Iago orders Emilia (his wife) to give him the handkerchief. Otello asks to be alone, and the others leave, except for Iago, who hangs back to observe Otellos growing suspicion. ... Beside himself, Otello swears to have vengeance, and Iago joins in on Otello’s oath.
In the armory, Iago tells Otello that more proof will come of his betrayal by his wife and Cassio. Desdemona enters, and Otello speaks calmly until she revives the subject of Cassio. When Otello demands the handkerchief he gave her, she again pleads for Cassio. Otello’s anger reaches the first of many peaks, as he demands the handkerchief at once. Once again, she asks for Otello to pardon Cassio declaring, "There is rage in his voice." Otello seizes Desdemona and forces her to look him in the eye.
Approximate Word count = 2453
Approximate Pages = 9.8
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|