Otello in OTELLO, Act IV

the met orchestra tour

“Thomas appears as Otello: the tenor’s sonorous timbre flows effortlessly through the authoritarian outbursts of the Moor, with a certain panache and a freshness that is rarely heard from the singers at the end of the opera. Solid as a rock, he easily faces the last pages of the role with a ‘Niun mi tema’ more brilliant than painful.”
–Olyrix

“There’s much less music for Otello in this act, and Thomas nailed it all with an exciting intensity, there was a real sense of both threat and then anguish in his singing.”
–New York Classical Review

“Magnificent interpretations [including] Russell Thomas as Otello. Thomas is alternately violent then overwhelmed with a sober quality, the legato and the spun highs in his final monologue, when he rediscovers his human nature.”
–ResMusica

“This concert was one of the hottest tickets in town with a stellar line-up of vocal soloists [including] Russell Thomas. He used his virile tenor as Otello to telling effect.”
–Music OMH

“With a voice that felt simultaneously penetrating and soothing in its power and beauty, Thomas dominated the stage as Otello. Every note sung seemed to come from the depths of his soul and combined into a composition of passion, pride and finally despair. His voice, like a carefully hammered bronze bell, resonated throughout the hall. From the powerful highs to the thunderous lows, Thomas displayed impressive range and control over his voice. Each note was imbued with a deep beauty. At the most dramatic moments, his voice was a resounding echo of Otello's emotions, filling the room in its raw intensity. It was this ability to blend the powerful and gentle aspects of his voice that made his portrayal of Otello so unique and intriguing.”
–Wochenblatt Reporter

“Remarkable performance by Thomas. The tenor lends his solid and powerful voice to the character of Otello ravaged by jealousy. Remorse and memories of kisses (‘un baccio’) soften his song without losing its dramatic intensity.”
–Classykeo

“Thomas sang with heartbreaking beauty. In a performance of power and pathos,  he convincingly communicated the character’s inner torment.”
–Seen and Heard International

“Russell Thomas shone on stage. As Otello, mad with jealousy, Thomas presents his straightforward, powerful tenor.”
–Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

“Thomas sang with great solidity and vigor: the metal of the voice, the projection are well worthy of an Otello, and ‘Niun mi tema’ is phrased with a beautiful eloquence.”
–Forum Opera