THE SYMBOL OF THE SHADOW IN VERDI’S OTELLO
THE SYMBOL OF THE SHADOW IN VERDI’S OTELLO

Summary/Abstract: The tragedy of Othello has been read and interpreted countless times over the centuries, and it continues to be researched and analysed from various perspectives. However, what is specific to Shakespeare’s plays is that they can also be interpreted in a subtler key, and Giuseppe Verdi appears to have discerned the deep meaning of Shakespearean themes, mirroring them musically with the finest nuances. The whole opera Otello is not only a manifestation of the genius of the great composer, but a genuine hermeneutical endeavour, which resulted in a Shakespearean musical subtext. This paper focuses on the last scene of the opera, with reference to the symbol of the shadow and its relevance in shaping the character of Otello. In Otello, Shakespeare’s knowledge of the human nature meets Verdi’s skill in exploring the psychological depth of the characters by means specific to the art of sounds: tonality, choice of voice type, melodic lines, leitmotifs, rhythm, selection of instruments, or orchestration.

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