Verdi, Giuseppe: Otello (Historic Recording)

Otello by Giuseppe Verdi
Cast: Jon VIckers, Leonie Rysanek, Tito Gobbi, Florinda Andrealli, Maria Carlin, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Franco Calabrese, Robert Kerns and Myriam Pirazzini,  with the Choir and Orchestra of the Rome Opera House conducted by Tullio Serafin
Libretto by: Arrigo Boito
Label: RCA Gold Seal
Catalogue number: AGL3 1969
Country of Issue: USA
Date: 1975
Reissue: recorded in Italy in 1960
Stereo
Format: LP Boxed Set (3 discs plus booklet)
Label design: US style, balck with gold print
Discs: Near Mint, unmarked
Outer box: VG+
Inner sleeves: original unlined inners included, new antistatic sleeves provided
Booklet: full size 28pp, perfect

DIscs visually excellent. Acquired by us in 2007 as part of a large collection but never played since. The outer box does have some slight wear but is in one piece and overall very clean and would be rated EX  except that it is a 'cutout' (purchased after being deleted from RCA catalogue).  

The recording was made in 1960 and drew critical acclaim;  The New Records said "the RCA Otello represents just about the best that has ever been accomplished in recorded opera".  The New York Times praised Jon VIckers' singing as "ravishingly beautiful".   Released originally on RCA's premium Soria series,  this reissue is on the Gold Seal label and was launched in 1975.