The Cast
OTELLO - Bruce Ford
DESDEMONA
- Elizabeth Futral
ELMIRO
- Ildebrando D'Arcangelo
RODRIGO
- William Matteuzzi
JAGO
- Juan José Lopera
EMILIA
- Enkelejda Shkosa
THE DOGE
- Ryland Davies
LUCIO - Dominic Natoli
A GONDOLIER
- Barry Banks
(PMF Scholar)
Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
The Philharmonia Orchestra
CONDUCTOR
- David Parry
The Times
'Futral is a ravishing Desdemona, whose harp-accompanied Willow Song is one of the score's high points.'
The Financial Times
'Scholarship and enthusiasm here go hand in hand... this set adds a different version with a happy ending put together for the Papal authorities... Elizabeth Futral sings Desdemona with such gleaming brilliance that nobody is likely to complain. Enkelejda Shkosa is a warm and sympathetic Emilia. The role of Rodrigo... is horribly difficult. Matteuzzi, a Rossinian specialist, gets a spectacular ride on the vocal big wheel with some phrases rising up to D and E above the stave.'
The Sunday Telegraph
'Once again David Parry is the star of an opera recording. His conducting has pace, poetry and dramatic flair. The Philharmonia plays superbly for him.'
The Sunday Times
Record of the Week'The superbly athletic tenor of Bruce Ford has been neglected by the multinational labels, but here he reveals himself as a Rossinian without equal today; his burnished tone... is distinctive and his artistry puts more celebrated young tenors in the shade. He is especially moving in the final scene with Elizabeth Futral's radiant Desdemona.'
