Act I. In the background a quay and the sea; a tavern with an arbour;

it is evening.

Through a heavy storm _Othello's_ ship is seen to be making port. Among the crowd of watchers, who exclaim upon the danger to the vessel, are _Iago_ and _Roderigo_. _Othello_ ascends the steps to the quay, is acclaimed by the crowd, and proceeds to the castle followed by _Cassio_, _Montano_, and soldiers. The people start a wood fire and gather about it dancing and singing.

It transpires in talk between _Iago_ and _Roderigo_ that _Iago_ hates _Othello_ because he has advanced _Cassio_ over him, and that _Roderigo_ is in love with _Desdemona_.

The fire dies out, the storm has ceased. _Cassio_ has returned from the castle. Now comes the scene in which _Iago_ purposely makes him drunk, in order to cause his undoing. They, with others, are grouped around the table outside the tavern. _Iago_ sings his drinking song, "Inaffia l'ugola! trinca tracanna" (Then let me quaff the noble wine, from the can I'll drink it).

[Music: Inaffia l'ugola! trinca, tracanna,]

Under the influence of the liquor _Cassio_ resents the taunts of _Roderigo_, instigated by _Iago_. _Montano_ tries to quiet him. _Cassio_ draws. There follows the fight in which _Montano_ is wounded. The tumult, swelled by alarums and the ringing of bells, brings _Othello_ with _Desdemona_ to the scene. _Cassio_ is dismissed from the Moor's service. _Iago_ has scored his first triumph.

The people disperse. Quiet settles upon the scene. _Othello_ and _Desdemona_ are alone. The act closes with their love duet, which _Desdemona_ begins with "Quando narravi" (When thou dids't speak).

[Music]