Italian opera conductor Tullio Serafin enjoyed a long career and an extensive repertoire. He became particularly known for his revival of 19th century bel canto operas, as well as being an authority on composers such as Bellini, Donizetti, and, as this recording proves, Verdi. This release is a 1960 recording of Serafin conducting Verdis Otello in Rome. Based on Shakespeares play Othello, this work was Verdis penultimate opera. The four act work is set to an Italian libretto by Arrigo Boito. This particular recording by RCA was deemed by BBC Music Magazine as the preferred version and benchmark recording of the work. No conductor is more understanding of Verdian pacing than Serafin. (The Penguin Guide)