Verdi’s Otello is based on Shakespeare’s famous play, in which the love between Othello and his wife Desdemona is undermined and ultimately destroyed by the insidious machinations of Iago. Iago plants the seeds of jealousy in Othello’s mind and his growing suspicions blind him to Desdemona’s fidelity, leading him to strangle her in a fit of jealous rage.

In Act 4 of the opera, Desdemona, distraught at her husband’s inexplicable rage and distrust, prays the "Hail Mary" before going to sleep – for the last time.