Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)James Conlon leads the Cologne Orchestra in this exciting 1991 production of Don Giovanni. Conlon conducts well; it is readily apparent that he is expert with Mozart's magnificent music and supports his singers well.
The Michael Hampe production is a traditional staging, simple and uncomplicated, and lends a welcome rustic quality to the production, not at all glossy and lavish as in the La Scala production, also on DVD. The costumes are somewhat drab and understated: shades of black and dark brown, with the occasional white apron, scarf, or chemise. The camera work is highly professional, with just the right amount of close-ups and distant shots.
During the late 1970s and 1980s, Thomas Allen was one of the premier Don Giovannis, and it is clear in this production that he is a master in the role. He is a bit past his prime, and his voice has the occasional dryness, but he makes up for it with his outstanding acting. He appears more comfortable in this Cologne production than he did under Muti in the La Scala DVD. Ferrucio Furlanetto is in fine voice as Leporello and, as ever, he is a joy to watch. World-reknowned Matthias Holle as the Commandatore is a major plus, and Reinhard Dorn is fine as Masetto. Kjell Magnus Sandve's strikingly handsome looks complements his well-sung Don Ottavio and dismisses the notion that Don Ottavio is a wimp.
The trio of women are outstanding. Carolyn James as Donna Anna is convincing, her soprano strong and beautiful. At times, her lower voice is not as strong as her high notes, but she is to be commended on her fine performance. This production catches Carol Vaness in her prime, and her Donna Elvira is magnficently sung. We are fortunate to see the young and beautiful Andrea Rost near the onset of her career, her bright and clarion soprano a perfect fit for Zerlina.
The DVD is beautifully presented in a clear plastic case and is accompanied with a slick 32-page pamphlet with pictures, synopsis, and notes on the performance and cast.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable DVD, highly recommended, and is a "must-have" for those of us who love Mozart and Don Giovanni.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Mozart - Don Giovanni / Allen, Furlanetto, Vaness, Rost, James, Dorn, Sandve, Holle, Conlon, Cologne Opera
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