An Examination of Verdi's Otello and Its Faithfulness to Shakespeare

This work analyzes how Verdi produced what is not only a monumental piece of music, but a remarkably effective and faithful adaptation. It examines how Verdi (and his librettist, Arrigo Boito) translated from speech to music and discusses what is required generally for a good adaptation. The study is primarily musical, though it examines literary matters as well. It examines principal characters and their relationships, the arias, the structure, and differences and similarities between Verdi and his source, Shakespeare.