First, why did Rossini give the three principal male parts to tenors? Jago should absolutely be sung by a baritone, as he is in Verdi's greater opera. Edgardo Rocha can't deliver the villainy the text calls for, although he's a good singer.
Second, why the poor costumes for the singers? john Osborn's uniform looks like it came from an army surplus store (which army?).
Thankfully, there is Cecilia Bartoli who is in splendid form. She almost makes me forget this is an inferior work. La Scintilla--love that name--give fine orchestral support.
Review of Rossini: Otello
