ACT I As a tempest rages in the harbor of Cyprus, citizens await the arrival of their governor, Otello. Sighting his ship, the Cypriots call on heaven to spare it. Safely in port, Otello proclaims victory over the Turks, then enters his castle. His ensign, Iago, angered by the promotion of his rival, Cassio, fans the secret desires of Roderigo, a Venetian dandy, for Otello’s wife, Desdemona. When the Cypriots gather around a celebratory bonfire, Iago leads a drinking song, enticing the easily intoxicated Cassio to drink a toast to Otello and his bride. The ensign then encourages Roderigo to provoke a duel with the reeling Cassio. When Otello’s predecessor, Montano, tries to intervene, he is wounded by Cassio. Otello, awakened by the brawl, demands an explanation, but Iago pretends ignorance of the cause of the quarrel. Desdemona appears on the scene, and Otello, seeing that his beloved has been disturbed by the fray, demotes Cassio, instructing Iago to restore order. Otello and Desdemona, left alone, tenderly recall their courtship.
ACT II By the castle garden, Iago advises Cassio to seek Desdemona’s aid in regaining Otello's favor. When the grateful Cassio goes off, Iago professes his belief in a cruel god, in whose image man was created. On Otello’s arrival, the ensign calls attention to Cassio, taking his leave of Desdemona and Emilia, Iago’s wife, in the garden. Iago makes subtle innuendos about Desdemona’s fidelity, then warns Otello to beware of jealousy. Women, children, and sailors bring flowers to Desdemona, whose beauty softens Otello’s newly-aroused suspicions, but when she begins to plead for Cassio’s reinstatement, he grows irritable. She tries to bind his brow with a handkerchief, but he throws it to the ground. As the uncomprehending Desdemona declares her devotion, Iago furtively wrests the handkerchief from Emilia, who has retrieved it. When the women leave, Otello accuses his ensign of destroying his peace of mind. When the Moor demands proof of Desdemona’s infidelity, Iago claims he has heard Cassio murmur Desdemona’s name in his sleep; worse, he says he has seen in Cassio’s hand the embroidered handkerchief Otello gave her when he first courted her. Seconded by Iago, Otello vows vengeance.
ACT III In the armory, Iago promises Otello more proof, then departs as Desdemona greets her husband. The Moor hints at his suspicions, but she fails to understand. When he demands the handkerchief, she again pleads for Cassio. Otello, sure of her guilt, calls her a courtesan. She tearfully declares her innocence, but the Moor sends her away. His rage spent, he reflects brokenly that he could have endured any affliction but this, then hides as Cassio and Iago approach. The latter, flashing the handkerchief, manipulates Cassio’s banter about his mistress so that Otello thinks he speaks of Desdemona. Cassio leaves as trumpets announce dignitaries from Venice. Otello resolves to kill his wife.
In the great hall, the court enters to welcome Lodovico, the ambassador, who brings orders recalling Otello to Venice and naming Cassio governor. Losing his self-control, Otello hurls Desdemona to the floor. As the stunned courtiers try to console her, Otello orders them out. The Moor falls in a fit, and Iago ironically salutes him as the Lion of Venice.
ACT IV In Desdemona’s room, Emilia helps her mistress prepare for bed. Desdemona, filled with foreboding, sings a song about a maid forsaken by her lover. She bids Emilia goodnight, says her prayers, and retires. Otello steals in and tenderly kisses her. When she awakens, he tells her to prepare for death; though she protests her innocence, he smothers her. Emilia returns with the news that Cassio has slain Roderigo. Hearing Desdemona’s death moan, she cries for help, bringing Iago, Lodovico, and Cassio. When Emilia exposes Iago’s treachery, he rushes from the room. Otello, realizing he has been deceived, stabs himself and dies upon a kiss.
-Courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera Guild
