By choosing Othello, Rossini was walking on thin ice: altough it is true that several of Shakespeare’s plays had been set to music by other composers, they were all works with what is called a ‘lieto fine’ or happy ending, in accordance with the opera fashion of the time. Othello’s tragic outcome, ensuing from a drama of power-hunger, hypocrisy and allconsuming jealousy, also made Rossini’s choice anything but simple. In addition, the librettist, who had allowed himself numerous liberties in his treatment of Shakespeare’s original, had to endure some severe criticism. Even so, Rossini’s Otello was very successful with the public and was frequently performed. Today’s lovers of ‘bel canto’ still consider Otello an absolute highlight, with extremely difficult but splendid vocal fireworks. Anna Caterina Antonacci and Gregory Kunde are the exceptional performers in the title roles.