Legendary maestro Thomas Schippers conducts the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and chorus in a December 1962 performance of Verdi's Ernani, which features a truly bravura performance by Carlo Bergonzi.

The story: Act I. The action unfolds on Cyprus, under Venetian rule in the 16th century. The scene is outside the castle, residence of Otello, governor of the island, facing the port. It is night. A furious storm churns the sea, and a crowd of Venetian citizens and soldiers helplessly watch while the ship of the Moor Otello desperately tries to make it into port. Only Iago, one of Otello's men, does not participate in the general apprehension for...